Nina Papathanasopoulou

Nina Papathanasopoulou (Ph.D., Columbia University) is a professor of classical studies who specializes in Greek drama and mythology. After six years as a visiting assistant professor of classics at Connecticut College, she joined the faculty at College Year in Athens, where she teaches ancient Greek mythology, religion, theater, and literature courses and runs field trips all over Greece for American students studying abroad. As public engagement coordinator for the Society for Classical Studies, she oversees the Ancient Worlds, Modern Communities initiative, supporting interdisciplinary projects related to the ancient Mediterranean.

After studying Aristophanes earlier in her career, Nina is now focused on the role of Greek myth in the work of the revolutionary 20^th-century choreographer Martha Graham. She has published on Graham’s reimagining of the myths of Medea, Ariadne, and Oedipus, and is currently working on a book project  exploring Graham’s Greek-inspired dances and their connection to ancient literature and art. Her outreach work seeks to make the ancient Greeks more accessible and highlights their immense influence on American culture and the arts. A captivating speaker and passionate traveler, Nina leads field trips for many organizations and gives lectures at conferences and public venues across the U.S. and Europe.

Language spoken: English