Ancient Greeks, Modern Lives: Honoring Stories Through Theater

One of the most meaningful experiences of my career was being part of Ancient Greeks, Modern Lives, a powerful reading series directed by Brian Delate. We performed in a variety of venues, including the beautiful Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, bringing timeless Greek stories to communities in a deeply modern way.

Brian, a dear friend I’ve known since my early days of acting, is both an artist and a veteran. With great respect and insight, he curated passages from Greek storytelling to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and the lived experiences of today’s warriors. Our performances were presented not only for veterans but also for the wider community, sparking conversations that echoed the original intent of Greek theater.

In ancient times, warriors returned home and shared their experiences openly, allowing their community to bear witness and learn. It was a holistic approach that integrated storytelling with healing—both for those who had endured battle and for those who welcomed them home. Ancient Greeks, Modern Lives carried that same intention: to connect, to listen, and to create understanding through art.

For me, the most profound part of the project was hearing real stories from veterans. Their honesty and courage transformed the performances into something much greater than theater—it became a shared act of healing.

Ironically, my work years later with Michelle Brooks on War Words felt like a continuation of this journey. Her project also gave space to people’s experiences in war, highlighting the importance of dialogue, empathy, and acknowledgment.

I believe it’s vital that we, as a society, don’t isolate ourselves from those who have fought for our country and our shared beliefs. Their stories are part of our collective human experience. Theater offers us a space to honor them, to learn from them, and, ultimately, to heal together.