The National Hellenic Museum Stages The Trial of Pericles

​Since 1983, the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) has been striving to “preserve the stories and honor the contributions” of Americans with Greek heritage. It houses extensive archives and artifacts in its 40,000-square-foot headquarters on Halsted Street in Chicago.

On April 17, 2024, the NHM presented The Trial of Pericles at Chicago’s Harris Theater. Over the course of about two hours, this live performance took the form of a courtroom trail of Pericles, an Athenian who fought heroically for democracy in Ancient Greece. He faced severe criticism in 451 BC for introducing a constitutional amendment that revoked Athenian citizenship for anyone without two Athenian parents in a move that many regarded as tyrannical.

The NHM performance placed Pericles on trial before an active jury comprised of 12 prominent legal professionals. Retired judge Paul C. Lillios played the role of Pericles, and current judge Megan Goldish played the role of Olympia. The judges in the trial were Anna Helen Demacopoulos, Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos, and Lindsay C. Jenkins. Remarkably, the jury found Pericles guilty of tyranny.

Judge Megan Goldish, Honors&Awards; ProfessionalTopics; Hobbies&Interests; Groups&Organizations

Shop