Kyle Thomas Hanneken (BFA 2018, Music Composition & Technology) has spent the past seven years developing Hellenika, a large-scale musical set in the Golden Age of ancient Greece that centers on the life and teachings of the philosopher Sokrates. Drawing on extensive historical research, the work explores questions of truth, justice, rhetoric, and the civic life of Athens itself.
In a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by Jim Higgins, Hanneken describes how his fascination with Sokrates began shortly after graduating from UW–Milwaukee and how his training in music composition, theory, and performance shaped the ambitious scope of the project. Hellenika will be presented in public readings January 30–31 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, offering audiences an early look at the work as it continues its path toward a full production.
Read the full article on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.