Dramatization Addresses Topics Like Virtue and Wisdom
Wilmington College’s Dr. Ron Rembert will portray the classical, Greek Athenian philosopher Socrates and his audience will serve as the jury when he reprises a performance he created more than 30 years ago.
(PICTURED) Ron Rembert portrays Socrates in a 2014 Campus Performance.
Rembert, professor of religion and philosophy, will present a one-man show featuring ancient dialogue from Plato’s The Apology April 18, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., in the McCoy Room of Kelly Center.
Through the dramatization, the audience will encounter challenging questions Socrates raised in the streets of Athens, ones that remain issues for us today: Can virtue be taught? Are there any teachers of virtue in our community? What is wisdom? Is a role model responsible for the actions of followers?
Rembert created the show as a result of a Texas Humanities Council grant while teaching at Texas Wesleyan University in the 1980s. He first performed The Apology at WC during his first year on the faculty in 1989.
He said the use of the word “apology” in this sense refers to a defense of one’s actions rather than a statement of remorse or petition for forgiveness. Plato, one of Socrates’ students, wrote The Apology, which is believed to be an accurate account of what Socrates said at his trial.
“It’s Plato’s words put into the mouth of Socrates. It’s Socrates’ defense of his life as a philosopher,” he said. “I want my students to hear the words of Plato in our own time and place — the text still has meaning for us.
“It’s meant to be an educational experience, not just entertaining.”
The audience will have an opportunity to play the jury as Socrates defends his life against the backdrop of potentially being put to death if found guilty.
