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About this series
Distant Mirrors Dimly Lit is a six-part radio series
developed and presented by Australian born classicist
Peter Toohey, Professor and Head of Greek and Roman
Studies at the University of Calgary, Canada. Series
producer is Radio National's James
Carleton. Executive Producer is Joe
Gelonesi. Original music composed by Roi Huberman.
The series presents an absorbing account of how the
lives of the ancients relate to ours, through the exploration
of six contemporary themes mostly concerned with our
interior worlds. By tracing paths between modern anxieties
and ancient lives the series presents a picture of both
continuity and change, contributing to the age-old dialogue
between the past and the present. Programs feature readings,
drama, music and discussions with leading scholars of
Greek and Roman Studies.
Note from series producer, Joe Gelonesi:
I first came across Peter Toohey in the 1980s when
he was still at the University of New England, in the
rolling uplands of Northern NSW. We broadcast a number
of programs together on a statewide, network talkback
program called, “Talking to New England”.
I was in Sydney, Peter in Armidale. This was an innovative
idea for the times: a live talkback program for ‘external
students’ of the University.
As it turned out, the program was a hit with a wider
audience. Quite often we fielded calls from curious,
non-students, full of fervour for the topic in question.
Peter proved to be a star performer: relaxed with the
general audience whilst exercising a steady hand over
a scattered community of budding scholars. I remember
making a note in the margin of my script: Peter - future
project?"
Many years passed. I had lost track of Peter. Then,
fortuitously, I came across an article of his in the
Sydney Morning Herald commenting on the surveillance
society, with reference to Ancient Rome. It was typically
Peter – the ancient mind made palpable to a contemporary
audience. I tracked him down at the University of Calgary
in Canada. There I met him for the first time in person.
Peter graciously accepted the challenge to craft a Classics
series for our times.
Fifteen years to find him, fifteen months to make it,
Distant Mirrors has been worth the wait.
The series would not have been possible without the
support of the Department of Greek and Roman Studies
at the University of Calgary, CBC Radio (in particular
Norm Hurley in Calgary), tireless series producer James
Carleton, and ABC Radio Development Fund.
Joe Gelonesi
Executive Producer
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