Classical Studies Events

In Spring 2023, the Classical Studies Program launched a new film series Classics at the Kan-Kan, where we bring movies inspired by the cultures and myths of Ancient Greece and Rome back to the big screen.

If you don’t know the Kan-Kan Indy Cinema and Brasserie, you absolutely should because:

1. it’s right downtown Indy near 10th and Mass Ave;
2. it makes a great date night;
3. it shows an amazing mix of current hits and oldies-but-goodies of all genres.

And if you don’t know movies inspired by Classical Cultures, you absolutely should because they:

1. include famous properties like Clash of the Titans and Percy Jackson;
2. are often hilariously bad (Paul Newman famously took out a full-page ad in a Hollywood newspaper, apologizing for his performance in The Silver Chalice);
3. are a super interesting way to see how the modern world sees the past and sees itself.

For more in-depth exploration of ancient stories in modern films, look for CLAS-C 321 Classical Myth and Culture in Theater and Film.

Sometimes, even your trusty Classical Studies professors at IU Indianapolis reach their limits in what they can teach you about the ancient world. But don’t despair! Thankfully the Indy area is full of opportunities to learn more and have fun with all things ancient. We’ll keep you up to date (so many archaeology puns!) on events sponsored through some great local organizations, including:

• the Archaological Institute of America Central Indiana Chapter (AIA-CIN)
• Classical Studies Programs at Butler, IUB, Purdue, and beyond
• the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
• the Indiana Junior Classical League (IJCL) and National Junior Classical Leauge (NJCL)

Find a local event that we should know about? Please feel free to reach out to our program director, Dr. Elizabeth Thill!