LitNite attendees don’t need a plane ticket to Greece to step into the world of Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.”
Hosted at The Exchange, LitNite will present its fourth event: “The Greeks: Epic Odyssey to the Birth of Western Civilization” on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 617 Marin St.
“The Greeks: Epic Odyssey to the Birth of Western Civilization” will examine how ancient epics have endured throughout centuries and continue to influence storytelling in the modern era, from modern fantasy and superhero films to the recent Christopher Nolan “Odyssey” adaptation.
LitNite is facilitated by John and Christine Walker and presented by Kaleidoscope School, a community learning initiative that hosts interactive educational events exploring literature, cultural significance, and history.
“LitNite isn’t a lecture, and it isn’t a book club. It’s closer to a seminar, a salon, or a performance, where everyone present contributes to the shared learning experience,” said John Walker.
John Walker is an educator, writer, and scholar with more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator. He holds a PhD in Comparative Literature.
Christine Walker is the founder and creative director of The Design Guild, a communication design agency based in the Bay Area.
For them, LitNite is about fostering curiosity, discussion, and exploring ideas that feel “engaging and alive.”
“LitNite is multigenerational and welcomes diverse perspectives,” says Christine Walker. “Teenagers, college students, retirees, teachers, artists, and people who simply want to learn all have something to contribute.”
The “The Greeks” LitNite will explore questions like: Why have these stories remained compelling for nearly 3,000 years? How does culture create consciousness? How did oral storytellers compose and remember works of such astonishing scope?
With the recent box office success of Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey” adaptation, John Walker noted that younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials have taken a fascination with Greek mythology and literature, especially those who grew up reading the Percy Jackson series.
In the modern era, Greek mythology discourse has become readily accessible through podcasts, YouTube videos, and social media platforms such as Instagram Reels and TikTok.
“Young people unexpectedly know and love Homer,” says John Walker.
In a LinkedIn article he wrote titled “Why The Odyssey? Why Now?” Walker writes about society’s need for community and “a coherent sense of belonging.”
“Homer is unapologetically earnest,” he writes. “After decades of ironic detachment, cynical wit, and performative sarcasm, that sincerity feels almost revolutionary. Audiences are hungry for visceral expressions of authentic emotional experience in the full range of agony, rage, and joy.”
His interest in Greek culture and literature “sharpened” 45 years ago, leading him to take two extended educational trips to Greece.
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Christine Walker (Courtesy)
“Our world has begun to feel Homeric unexpectedly,” said John Walker. “The Greeks aren’t interesting because they have all the answers. They’re interesting because they ask questions we are still grappling with today.”
“The Greeks” LitNite will explore iconic scenes from “The Odyssey” and “The Iliad” through dramatic readings and discussion while expanding into the wider world of ancient Greece, including its history, philosophy, theater and more.
“Education has become remarkably good at measuring learning and, sometimes, less good at cultivating the desire to learn. With LitNite, we want to inspire curiosity and creative, critical thinking,” John Walker said.
He added, “We want to appreciate works of art in a social context that makes us all feel more vividly alive.”
Though LitNite events continue to evolve since their initial launch, the goal to foster curiosity and make literary and educational discussions accessible to everyone remains the same.
“It makes sense that LitNite is thriving in Vallejo. Vallejo is a culturally diverse and artistically interesting community filled with innovative creators,” Christine Walker said. “The Exchange has been a wonderful partner. We love its creative space and the community of makers, teachers, artists and students it is bringing together.”
LitNite gathers at The Exchange every fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.
Because seating is limited, attendees are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.
Reservations are $25 per person.
To reserve a spot for the upcoming “The Greeks” LitNite, visit www.theexchangevallejo.com/events-calendar/lit-nite-with-kaleidoscope-school
