The National Hellenic Musuem to Present “The Trial of Themistocles”
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) will present the next installation of its popular Trial series with “The Trial of Themistocles” on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street in Chicago. At this dynamic live event, nationally renowned attorneys will argue a case regarding Themistocles, one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience.
“The Trial of Themistocles” is a fundraiser supporting NHM’s mission to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story.
An prominent legal team will present the cases for and against Themistocles during the April 1 event. Representing the prosecution are Sarah F. King (Clifford Law Offices PC), Patrick A. Salvi II (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard PC) and Karen Conti (Conti & Dolan). Representing the defense of Themistocles are Patrick M. Collins (King & Spalding LLP), Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP) and Katerina Alexopoulos (U.S. Department of Homeland Security).
Judges presiding at “The Trial of Themistocles” are Justice Joy V. Cunningham (Illinois Supreme Court), Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois), Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos (Circuit Court of Cook County) and Hon. Jeffery Chrones (Circuit Court of Cook County).
Demonstrating the enduring relevance of ancient disputes, the NHM Trial series has grown since its inception in 2013, including receiving several regional Emmy Award nominations. “The Trial of Themistocles” explores the tension between public service and personal ambition. Themistocles made Athens the world’s foremost naval power, and he was the supreme commander of the Battle of Salamis, the turning point in the Persian War. However, he was later accused of betraying Athens to its greatest rival, when after the war he entered the service of the Persian King Ataxerxes I—son of the very king Themistocles defeated during the Persian War. Audience members will cast their votes to decide the final verdict: hero or traitor?
“Featuring some of today’s premier legal minds in a contemporary courtroom setting, “The Trial of Themistocles” continues our exploration of how the ancient Greeks grappled with timeless controversies that continue to shape our modern society,” say NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures. “This is a rare opportunity for people to see some of the best attorneys in the nation argue a historic case before a distinguished panel of judges. Filled with unscripted, authentic drama and legal acumen, this is a thought-provoking event for general audiences as well as legal professionals.”
Tickets for the National Hellenic Museum’s “The Trial of Themistocles” on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago) are now on sale for $100, with student tickets available for $40 with proof of ID. Attorneys who attend this event will qualify for 1.5 hours of continuing legal education (CLE). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org/trial2025 or call 312-655-1234.
