Parthenon Lost
A Dialogue about the Parthenon Marbles
By Constantine Sandis
'A wonderfully entertaining and informative synopsis of all the arguments
for and against the return of the British Museum's collection
...the audience enjoyed it greatly' Parikiaki
'An admirable praiseworthy undertaking...brought welcome clarity of expression'
Oxford Times
'A play they feared would sway the audience...explored the various arguments for and against repatriation of the marbles' Guardian
'An entertaining and thought-provoking political play exploring the issues
surrounding the return of the Parthenon Marbles' Oxford Watson
'A most enjoyable and illuminating play ...the experience reminded me
of the therapeutic value of art which cleanses you of transitory concerns
and places you in the bigger picture' Worldwidereview
Parthenon Lost is a one-act playlet which uses the form of Socratic Dialogue to illuminate the moral and philosophical questions raised by the Parthenon marbles.
The dialogue, is set in modern-day Athens and takes place between
Romia (a Greek nationalist), Catherine (an English scholar of Classics),
Dianne (A cynical reporter), and Thallos (a beautiful art-loving Greek
youth). These characters have recently returned from visiting the Parthenon
(having gathered there for some occasion) and consequently their discussion
naturally drifts towards the question of the marbles.
Each of the characters represents a position (or an amalgam
of positions) currently held about the marbles. Thus, Catherine insists
on the legalities of ownership and the current good care of the works,
Thallos reminds us of their energy and beauty, Romia claims that the pieces
are linked to the democratic politics of the city and Dianne is a cynic
who distrusts the very notions which the others use.
Occasionally interrupted by Romias' Albanian maid Drita (who cannot
speak much English) they begin to ponder the question of return and only
to find themselves become confused and entangled in their own arguments.
It is then that Socrates makes an unexpected appearance, explaining that
he has argued himself back into existence. He then proceeds to guide the
discussion. The speakers argue towards an increasing climax during which
Socrates manages to both mock their impatience and prejudices, and extricate
what is right in their arguments, ending with a great aria about what
belonging means - in terms of identity, meaning, place, roots, and the
way universality is planted in a place and time.
Parthenon Lost Premiere as a rehearsed reading on Sunday 9 May at the Oxford Union as part of the Oxford Greek Festival 2004. The part of Socrates was read by Michael Pennington. A virtual reconstruction of the marbles reunited was also on display.
The play was followed by a debate about the Elgin Marbles . Speakers included Richard Allen MP, English Champion Debater Daragh Grant, Dramaturge Jared Reed, Dr. Peter Derow (Wadham College, Oxford), and TV Presenter William G. Stewart. The British dominated audience voted 137 in favour of returning the marbles, and 75 against.
Parthenon Lost was most recently performed (in both English and a Greek translation by Professor S. Moraiti ) at the XVIth International Symposium of the Olympic Centre for Philosophy and Culture which took place at Pyrgos of Elia and Ancient Olympia, Greece 25-30 July.
Do you think that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to
Greece and housed in a properly constructed museum in Athens? Vote 'yes'
or 'no' now at the British Committee
for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles website.
THE ORIGINAL CAST
Romia - Nina Reizi
Catherine - Lucy Underwood
Dianne - Olivia Wood
Thallos - Daniel Lundh
Drita - Aria Sandis
Socrates - Michael Pennington
