“In a little less than an hour, this new CD offers an engaging and historically sound account of the major events of the Peloponnesian War and introduces Pericles, Lysander, and other figures in Greek history. In the style of a Greek drama, the narrator presents the story, drawing on the written words of Thucydides and Xenophon, while a singer takes the role of the chorus, highlighting the action with contemporary music and language. I commend the script as a substitute for any textbook narrative, in part because it relates events of the Peloponnesian War to issues in present-day politics and war familiar to students. The original music composed for this production provides an effective background for the spoken word and heightens the tragedy of the war. I regret that this CD was not available years ago when I first began teaching Western Civilization courses! I would have made use of it every semester.” -Terry L. Smart, Ph.D., Professor of History, Trinity University
“A combination pop-opera, Greek drama, modern allegory, and historical CliffsNotes created by Trinity University history grad and musician Charlie Roadman, the album resonates on several levels and is likely unlike anything you’ve ever heard. It details how Athens’ cultural hubris, faltering democracy, self-serving oligarchs, indifference to its allies, and ill-considered military adventurism resulted in a war doomed by poor prosecution and overextended forces.” - Chris Parker, San Antonio Current
“I am very impressed. The CD is both historically accurate and musically very interesting. I enjoyed it immensely. Charlie’s talk about the making of the album and the live performance by Athens v. Sparta made an outstanding contribution to the 2009 annual meeting of the Texas Classical Association” - Timothy J. Moore, Department of Classics, The University of Texas at Austin
“WOW! I would have never thought of presenting the history of the Peloponnesian War like that. This is excellent work and very creative. Athens v. Sparta is most suitable for use in the classroom, especially when either secondary or college-level students study the history of Greece. And what a way to study history anyway! I only hope more teachers learn about the composition and try it in their classes.” - Dr. Allan Kownslar, Professor of History, Trinity University, San Antonio
“Athens v. Sparta, written by Charlie Roadman, not only captures the history of the Peloponnesian Wars, but truly brings the work of Thucydides to life. The musical setting provides an opportunity for a new look at this part of ancient history, forcing the listeners see it in a modern light. The performance was the perfect Friday night entertainment for the group at the Texas Classical Association’s Annual Fall Conference. Conferees universally praised the performance. The band definitely made Classics cool!
I also thoroughly enjoyed Charlie’s talk at the conference about his journey to translate Thucydides’ work into a modern rock opera. His remarks offered insight on the enduring power of the Classics. Charlie is an excellent, thought-provoking speaker whose life experiences brought a different perspective to the conference.” – Jennie Luongo, Latin Department Chair, St. Andrew’s Upper School, Austin
“Here at Trinity, we read Thucydides every year in our “Great Books” course for first year students, and he can be a difficult sell, coming right after the more immediately accessible Iliad and Oresteia. Not so this year — students were excited to have a performance by Athens v. Sparta tied in with the reading, and many of the students clearly brought their friends along for the show. And they were treated to an incredible performance; the show was very well received, by students, faculty, and community members alike. I would recommend the show to any students interested in ancient history or political science - or to students who just like good music!” - Tim O’Sullivan, Professor of Classics, Trinity University, San Antonio
“An indie rock release from Austin, Texas, relating the history of the Peloponnesian War? You’ll believe it when you hear it. Athens v. Sparta—about the conflict the historian Thuycidides called “a great war, more worthy of recounting than any that preceded it”—features songs like “The Oligarchic Coup” and “The Sicilian Disaster.” The combination of grim narration, ethereal music and trenchant lyrics is spellbinding.” - Steven Saylor, Author of Roma Sub Rosa series
Thank you so much for your performance at the 2010 TSJCL convention! My students were a little skeptical at first (’Wait Mrs. Cannon, is this going to be a concert or a history lesson?’), but they went and saw for themselves. They had a blast! Everyone who talked to me about the show only had rave reviews and said that it was so much better than ‘those lame dances we usually have.’ I heard kids saying that they wished they could have seen you at SxSW or somewhere else where they could relax and enjoy it and not be competing- this is not typical of high school students or their attention spans! And, my students who are in bands (or trying to be in bands) were both inspired and motivated. They cannot seem to stop talking about your show! – Natalie Cannon, Latin Teacher, Westlake High School, Austin