Burning of the Ancient Library of Alexandria

The Burning of the Ancient Library of Alexandria is an original theatre performance and exhibition that celebrates the central role of wisdom collections – oral or written – in every culture at all times in history.

Director, Slobodan Dan Paich, who created and developed the project, says: “The performance will addresses – directly or indirectly – the idea of alignment and misalignment of place, issues of freedom of speech and expression, and the rise and fall of empires. It portrays the tensions brought about by huge events in history to the people who happen to be there during that time. The central figure is Hypatia, daughter of the chief librarian who wants to live an ordinary simple life, but events would not let her. Hypatia was one of the greatest mathematicians of her time, and head of the Academy in Alexandria. For her, the simple life was teaching day to day. Her assassination by a fundamentalist mob signaled the burning of the Library. In the ebb and flow of history, times of cultural flourishing are superseded by times of oppression and darkness. It seems that the great library was burnt more than once.”

The intention of the theater piece is to raise the issue of freedom of expression from the level of rhetoric and complacency to a dialogue, to give vital insight into the meaning and depth of collecting and disseminating knowledge, and to illuminate the fragility of library collections and their keepers. To catalyze conversations among stewards of wisdom collections, Artship Foundation plans over next few years to convene an international committee of artists, thinkers, curators, librarians, and patrons to act as an unofficial United Nations that supports and promotes freedom of expression.

The whole project examines and inspires contemporary policy-making, helps us learn from history, and gives sanctuary to individuals and groups who, against obvious and insidious pressure, have dared to stand alone. More >>