Bring The Odyssey to Your Classroom
The Odyssey has been subject to academic and philosophical scrutiny and analysis almost from its inception, with its readers exploring ethical, rhetorical, metaphysical, and even mystical interpretations at different periods in history and for wildly different aims. Now, nearly three millennia later, it’s a staple of high school English curricula across the country, and is often taught as a cornerstone of western literature. Yet reading the epic on the page in translation is only one way to experience it. A live performance in Ancient Greek allows students to encounter an exciting dimension of Homer's masterpiece: the expertly crafted language that was slowly shaped through the mouths and minds of oral poets over generations in the ancient world.
This poem is music.
Artist Joseph Medeiros has brought The Odyssey into classrooms for many years, engaging students through performances and lively discussions. His presentations of this ancient text in the here-and-how help students connect more deeply with the characters, language, and themes explored in the epic. His work fosters curiosity about literature, history, and the heart of the human condition.
Each school visit can be tailored to complement an existing curriculum and learning objectives. Performances may be paired with question-and-answer sessions and discussions about Homeric storytelling, the oral tradition, the Ancient Greek language, or the process of adapting classical works for contemporary audiences.
Joseph has the ability to engage audiences ranging from students encountering Homer for the first time to advanced scholars of the ancient world. In addition to his work with high school students, Joseph has presented excerpts from The Odyssey and led discussions and Q&A sessions at distinguished institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, CUNY Latin/Greek Institute, and The Paideia Institute.
Please reach out if you’d like to bring Joseph to your institution.
