New Acropolis Toronto

Hypatia - A Light in the Face of Ignorance

The Mystery of a Woman Philosopher
Theatre and Cafe Philo
A contribution to International Women's Day

Philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer of the 4th century, Hypatia illuminated the School of Alexandria with her wisdom, intelligence, and inquisitive free spirit.

Program of the evening:
  • Presentation on Hypatia, a light in the face of ignorance
  • Theatre Play: Hypatia, the Power to Change History
  • Exchange and philosophical discussions


Hypatia said:

"All formal, dogmatic religions are fallacious and must never be accepted as absolute by any self respecting individual".

"Reserve your right to think, because it is preferable to think incorrectly than to not think at all".

"To teach superstitions as truths is the most terrible of things".

As part of the celebration of 2011 International Women's Day

 
Date: Tue. March 1, 2011.
7:30 pm
Location: Centre for Social Innovation
215 Spadina Avenue
Between Dundas/Queen
Map
Admission: $25 regular / $15 full-time student
Inquiries: Call 416-486-7198





Please check our special Canadian International Women's Day website

Theatre Background:

At the beginning of the 4th century AD, as the Roman Empire is falling apart, in the city of Alexandria, Hypatia, figurehead of Neoplatonic philosophy, seeks to save the Greek heritage being undermined by fanaticism.

Christianity, which has become the religion of state, foments popular violence against anything that does not adhere to it. Hypatia is put to death in a church.

From a very young age, Hypatia shows a keen interest in knowledge in all its forms, and soon surpasses her master and father. She in turn teaches mathematics and geometry, writes commentaries on Diophantus' Arithmetica, Appolonius' Conics and Ptolemy's astronomical works. Unfortunately, no trace of her writings can be found today. They are known though the letters she wrote to Synesius about building an astrolabe and a hydroscope.

About the play: Hypatia, the Power to Change History was written by Celine Bouchard, Philosopher, Poet and Drama Teacher, and translated by Jennifer Bondy. This poetic piece of work has already inspired large audiences in Montreal and Ottawa over the past year. Our actors are all philosophers sharing their passion for knowledge: Duygu Basmaci, Norman Valdez, Shanty Singh, Sean Lai, and Anil Persaud.