Epic event a ‘classic’ success

An epic event which saw students and staff of Classics at the University of St Andrews stage a 12-hour performance of the ancient work of Homer, has successfully raised over £1300 for charity.

The first event of its kind at St Andrews, ‘Homerathon’ was held in locations around St Andrews in April this year. The brainchild of staff and students of the University’s School of Classics, the unique event saw 100 ‘characters’ from the Iliad and the Odyssey take to the streets of St Andrews for the day.

Held in association with the Classics Society, Theatre Odyssey and the Scottish Hellenic Society, it aimed to raise money for three charities: AVERT (An international AIDS charity), Salama Shield and Africa Educational Trust.

The organisers behind the event, which raised £1342, say it was an amazing success thanks to the hard work and commitment of the participants and particularly through the incredible organisation of recent graduate and organising committee member, Lucy Jones.

Prior to the event being held, organisers had called for support and were overwhelmed with offers of help, from both local businesses and people willing to lend support.

On behalf of the organising committee, lecturer Dr Rebecca Sweetman said: “We would especially like to thank the business of St Andrews who so kindly donated prizes to the raffle and All Saints Church for their generous contribution of the ideal space for the day. There was lots of positive feedback from people in town and from those that came to see the performances which were highly entertaining as well as educational.”

“We would also like to express thanks to those who supplied and made the oh-so-tasty food, to the street collectors, the stores, businesses and churches of St Andrews to the actors, to the directors, to the facilitators, to the School of Classics staff and to friends and family who supported the participants.”

The success of the day generated so much enthusiasm it is likely that Homerathon will be a traditional annual charity event.

ENDS

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