Growing Up Spartan: Myth, Reality, and the Agōgē
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, 7:00 pm
at 150W17TH, 150 West 17th Street, New York City (map)
Sparta, a name that conjures images of long-haired, muscular warriors poised for battle against seemingly insurmountable odds, has a storied reputation. But what truly shaped this image? The Hellenic American Cultural Foundation invites Dr. Andrew Bayliss, an expert in ancient Sparta, to explore the city’s often brutal and rigidly hierarchical education system. Dr. Bayliss will transcend familiar myths and modern misconceptions, guiding the audience through the typical Spartan’s journey from infancy to adulthood, and ponder the enduring fascination—and unsettling nature—of Sparta that has captivated audiences for centuries.
Dr. Andrew Bayliss is an Associate Professor in Greek History at the University of Birmingham. He has authored two books on the subject: Sparta: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Superpower and The Spartans: A Very Short Introduction. The Spartans has been translated into Modern Greek, Italian, Romanian, and Chinese. The US edition of Sparta is scheduled for publication in May 2026.
A reception will be held after the event, where copies of Dr. Bayliss’ book, The Spartans, will be available for purchase, cash only, and for him to sign.
Memories of a Modern Epic Bard – Themes and Heroes in the Iliad
March 18th, 2026, at 150W17TH
The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation was delighted to welcome Stathis Livathinos, a leading Greek theatre director whose work delves into the dialogue between classical texts and contemporary performance. Mr. Livathinos’ presentation explored the central and overarching motifs of Homer’s Iliad, connecting its themes to contemporary experiences. He examined the main characters, the plot, and the enduring significance of the Iliad. His presentation also featured selected excerpts from his filmed performance, which premiered at the Athens Festival and was subsequently showcased internationally.
Trained in Athens and at the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts, Mr. Livathinos earned advanced degrees in directing and acting with distinction. He has directed more than fifty productions across theatre and opera, lectured at Harvard University and the Yale Drama School, and has served as an artistic director of the Experimental Stage of the National Theatre of Greece and of the National Theatre of Greece. In 2024, he was elected to the Academy of Athens, Chair of Theatrical Art.
A reception was held after the event where the attendees met the speaker. A review of the event is available in The National Herald.
The Greek Debt Crisis and Its Aftermath
January 14th, 2026, at 150W17TH
The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation welcomed Dr. Charles H. Dallara, author of Euroshock: How the Largest Debt Restructuring in History Helped Save Greece and Preserve the Eurozone, and Professor Charles Calomiris, who offered their perspectives on the Greek debt crisis, which threatened to tear apart the Eurozone. They discussed the current economic challenges faced by Greece and the Eurozone countries. Renowned author Nicholas Gage, and a member of HACF’s board, Marilena Christodoulou, introduced Dr. Dallara and Professor Calomiris. The discussion was moderated by Clive Crook, a Bloomberg opinion columnist and member of its editorial board covering economics.
Dr. Dallara, Chairman of Partners Group (USA) and Advisory Partner with Partners Group Holding AG, has almost 50 years of experience in global finance and economic policymaking. He previously served as Managing Director and CEO of the Institute of International Finance and held senior positions in the US Treasury Department. Dr. Dallara led the negotiations during the Greek debt restructuring on behalf of the private creditors.
Professor Calomiris is a financial policy expert and director of the Institute for Research in Economics in Washington, D.C. Previously, Professor Calomiris was the Henry Kaufman Professor of Financial Institutions at Columbia Business School and the Director of its Program for Financial Studies. He also served on the European Systemic Risk Board. He co-authored Fragile by Design: The Political Origins of Banking Panics and Scarce Credit.
There was a reception following the event where attendees were able to meet the speakers. Dr. Dallara’s book was on sale after the presentation. A review of the event can be read in The National Herald.