April Fool’s, But Noone Was Fooled…
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel
On April 1st at the Harris Theater in Chicago, The National Hellenic Museum conducted a mock trial of Themistocles, an ancient Greek hero who was accused of treason. Themistocles was an Athenian politician with proletarian beginnings, who rose to prominence in 459 BC from the populist class, and was elected Archon. He increased the naval power of Athens that led to the defeat of Xerxes’ invasion in the Battle of Salamis.
His arrogance alienated him and was ostracised. He was exiled to Argos – the Spartans wanted to destroy him and indicted him for treason; he found sanctuary in Persia. King Artaxerxes, son of Xerxes, assigned him to be governor of Magnesia, where he lived the rest of his life.
The host of the evening was Andrea Darlas, a Chicago media personality, and the trial was presided over by a four judge panel of accomplished jurists:
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham.
The Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis – U.S District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos and the Hon. Jeffery Chrones, both of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
The Accused: Jonathan Shaboo, as Themistocles, stood to his conviction of his love for Greece, recognising his conceit and condemnation – but being persecuted he had no choice. In order to protect his family, he had to accept his position in Magnesia which consisted of Greek population, thus still pursuing his support of his people as a leader…
The Star Witness: The Honorable Megan Goldish, as Arsenia, showed her comedic acting side; engaging with the audience, she portrayed a spoofy aspect of a scorned mistress, tongue firmly in cheek, of a similar contemporary hearing, thus proving that nothing has changed in 2500 years…
The prosecution attorneys Sarah F. King was assertive in her oral argument, and Patrick A. Salvi II worked his legalese. The defense, led by attorneys Patrick M. Collins, Tinos Diamantatos, and Katerina Alexopoulos strived to convince the jurors of Themistocles innocence.
The 12 member panel of respected jurors on stage, consisting of civic leaders, academics, and media members rendered an 11-1 “Not guilty” verdict. The audience of approximately 500 people were given two plastic discs, one blue and one white, upon entering. So during deliberations, the audience were also jurors, casting their vote. Bags were passed along the seated audience, blue for guilty and white for not guilty, as the coordinating discs were dropped in. Once collected they were poured over the scale of justice on the stage, with a unanimous “NOT GUILTY” to a cheering roar and standing ovation!
So we all partook in democracy at work on this night in the “City of the Big Shoulders”, virtually from the birthplace of the democratic process, Athens, 2500 years ago. We listened, based on facts and evidence, then made our informed decisions, which is our duty as citizens. The National Hellenic Museum serves to remind us of the contributions Greek culture has made and continues to make to Western civilization, as well as our country’s growth, art, and innovation. For more about the institution and its future programs, please visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org.
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