Celebrating their 25th anniversary, The International Readers of Homer present a 12-hour, audience participation reading of Homer’s The Iliad. This all-day reading of Homer’s epic features the first complete translation of the poem by a woman, the noted classics scholar Caroline Alexander. Join us and add your voice to this unique participatory reading—and live the revival of the ancient art of public storytelling! 

Your ticket includes:

• All-day access to Grace Cathedral
• General seating to hear the live reading & musical interludes
• Option to read a 3-minute passage of the Iliad during a time slot and in the language of your choice (space permitting, first-come, first-served)
• Mediterranean boxed lunch & dinner from Za’atar of San Francisco
• Refreshments during the day
• Opportunity to walk the Grace Cathedral labyrinth

This reading features the first complete translation of the poem in English by a woman, the noted classics scholar Caroline Alexander. Readers and listeners will experience the noble music of Homer, carried down through the ages, now in Alexander’s rich poetic voice.

In a contemporary take on the oral tradition, participants take turns reading passages from the poem. Over the course of the day, the audience hears the tragedy, folly and horrors of the Trojan War and may be surprised to find how relevant this classic poem is in our modern age. Caroline Alexander herself will read the invocation in Homeric Greek.

This event may be photographed. By attending this event, you consent to having your photo/likeness/recordings posted publicly and on social media. Grace Cathedral is a community partner of this event, and you may receive a one-time mailing from them.

Program Information at International Readers of Homer.

Tickets are available for purchase here. Ticket sales close Tuesday, May 9 at 11:30 pm.

Listen

The Readers of Homer

Event Details

The cathedral will open for seating at 9 am. Enter the cathedral through the door at the top of the Great Steps. The accessible entrance is via the glass doors on Taylor Street left of the garage entrance. Turn left down the hallway and follow it to the elevator. Masks are strongly encouraged inside the cathedral.

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