The Iliad by Moonlight
Marathon reading of Homer's text set for May 23
On May 23-24, the Department of Classics, with generous support from the Alumnae of Northwestern University, will host a marathon reading of Homer’s Iliad on the lakefront at Northwestern University.
Starting at 10 pm on Friday, May 23 and ending at dawn the next day, participants will gather at the University’s lakefill to read the classic text aloud. The event was inspired by the literary arts organization “The Readers Of Homer,” which has organized similar events in cities and towns around the world.
Senior lecturer and event organizer Francesca Tataranni says excitement is already building for the marathon read. Tataranni has been working with a group of undergraduate and graduate students since December to abridge and divide the text and to recruit participants. More than 60 people from different schools and departments have already signed up to read.
“Organizing a Homerathon on campus has been an amazing experience for all of us,” Tataranni says.
The entire Northwestern community — students, faculty and staff — is invited to participate in the event. Bring blankets, pillows and lawn chairs. To register to read, please contact Tataranni at f-tataranni@northwestern.edu.
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