Free Community Panel Conversations for Metamorphoses

Join a variety of artists, scholars, historians and docents to discuss the themes explored in Metamorphoses.  The programming will take place at Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N Michigan Ave. Panel Discussions are free and open to the public. Seating is subject to availability.

Free Panel Conversations-- Sundays at 4:30 pm

October 21, 2012

“...myths are the earliest forms of science”: Myths and the Natural World

In addition to being among the most prodigious storytellers, the ancient Greeks were among the first scientists, astronomers, and doctors. How did their creation myths and their science reconcile, and how do ours today?  Do myths fill in where science leaves off, or vice-versa?  What are today’s myths, and what do they tell us about our understanding of “The Way Things Work”?

Panelists include:
- Dr. Alaka Wali, Curator of North American Anthropology and Applied Cultural Research Director in the Environment, Culture and Conservation Division of the Field Museum
- Dr. Lea Schweitz, Director of the Zygon Cneter for Religion and Science, and Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science

October 28, 2012

“...dreams are private myths”: Myth, Mind and the Unconscious

“Narcissism”; “Hysteria”; “Oedipus Complex”; even the term “psychology” itself – these are evidence of how strongly Greek plays and ideas have shaped our perceptions of how the mind works.  From Freud and Jung to modern psychology, how do these timeless stories help us identify the battles we fight, both internally and externally? How do these ancient stories help explain our primal impulses of sex, violence, desire, revenge, and love (to name just a few)?

Panelists include:
- Dr. Thomas Lavin, Ph.D., Jungian Analyst with the C.G. Jung Center
- Dr. Mary Ellen O’Hare Lavin, Ph.D., C.A.D.C., Jungian psychotherapist
- Dr. Richard Bowen, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago

November 4, 2012

“...never think - never think! -- you are safe from love...”: Love, Sex and Myth

Whether someone is running towards love or desperately running from it, Aphrodite can grab hold of any of us at any time – sometimes for good, sometimes for ill, but always at Her will.  What are we to make of this powerful goddess and how she holds sway in our lives today?  How do sexuality and gender play a part in love’s influence within the myths? Why is love’s power so transformative? 

Panelists include:
- Dr. Eli J. Finkel, Ph.D., Professor of Social Psychology at Northwestern University
- Katherine Greenwood, J.D., Ph.D.c Mythological Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Educator at Loyola University.

November 11, 2012

“Let me not outlive me own capacity to love...” Myth and Being Human

Myths don’t just explain “how things came to be” but also how we are to be. and behave, with each other.  What ethical code is imparted by the myths in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and what collective stories guide our conduct today? 

Panelists include:
- Rabbi Brant Rosen, Rabbi of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Co-Founder of Ta'anit Tzedek, Chairperson of the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council.
- Dr. Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D, Director of Brady Scholars Program in Ethics and Leadership. Director of the Center for Bioethics, Science and Society. Professor of Religion. Northwestern
- Ken Novak, Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago,  Adult Education Co-Chair, Ethical Humanist Officiant,