K EARTH REVIEW: Philosophy, Power and the Making of a Conqueror - Why Aristotle/Alexander is a Must-See

One of the most fascinating student-teacher relationships in history is coming to life on stage in Aristotle/Alexander, a gripping new play at Company of Angels in Los Angeles. Written and directed by two-time Ovation Award winner Alex Lyras, this production dives into the high-stakes intellectual clash between Aristotle, one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy, and his most famous pupil—Alexander the Great.

Why You Should See Aristotle/Alexander

If you love history, philosophy and thought-provoking theatre, Aristotle/Alexander is an absolute must-see. The play is based on real historical events, blending original text with ancient source material, immersive video projections, and a hauntingly beautiful score featuring authentic ancient instruments.

When King Philip II of Macedon hires Aristotle (Andrew Byron) to tutor his son, the future conqueror Alexander the Great (Nicholas Clary), what begins as an intellectual mentorship soon becomes a high-stakes battle of wits. Can philosophy shape the mind of a boy destined for war? How much of Aristotle’s teaching influenced Alexander’s world-changing conquests? The play explores these questions while transporting the audience 2,500 years into the past.

I attended with my 15-year-old son, who has been fascinated by Ancient Greece ever since he got a LEGO book on mythology as a kid. He was on the edge of his seat the entire time. The play is under two hours, with no intermission, and is best suited for ages 15 and up due to some language and mature themes.

Behind the Scenes: A Play Years in the Making

I had the chance to speak with Alex Lyras about his inspiration. While Aristotle’s mentorship of Alexander is rarely discussed in depth, Lyras stumbled upon a brief mention of it in a book and immediately knew there was a story there. His research took him deep into historical sources, and he even traveled to the exact locations in Greece where these events took place.

I had the pleasure of meeting Costume Designer Paula Davis, a docent at the Getty Villa—whose husband was Alex’s former philosophy professor at Bucknell University. The queen’s gown in the play? Absolutely stunning. I would 100% wear it for a night out in LA. Even the sandals were gorgeous. She was still sewing and making last-minute adjustments right before opening night, proving just how much detail and love went into every part of this production.

A Personal Connection to Philosophy

I have a B.S. in Philosophy. While I was already deep into my career in radio when I got my degree, I fell head over heels for the subject.

Philosophy doesn’t teach you what to think—it teaches you how to think. It challenges you to hold opposing ideas in your mind without immediately accepting or rejecting them, much like Aristotle discusses in this play.

Some of my best memories from college are of late-night debates that would spill from the classroom into the pub, stretching for hours until our brains physically hurt from the effort of thinking.

One of my professors encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree, but radio had my heart, and I chose that path instead. Still, watching Aristotle/Alexander made me wonder: what if I had taken the academic route?

Fun Facts About Aristotle & Alexander

If you’re a history buff, here are a few fascinating tidbits the play brings to life:

An Intellectual Power Duo: Aristotle was hired to tutor Alexander at just 13 years old, covering philosophy, science, and politics.

Learning in Nature: Their lessons took place at the Temple of the Nymphs in Mieza, an idyllic sanctuary where the sounds of cicadas (which you will hear in the play) were recorded on location.

The Library Legacy: Aristotle was an obsessive collector of books and scrolls. His influence likely helped inspire the creation of the legendary Library of Alexandria, founded after Alexander’s conquest of Egypt.

Plan Your Visit

Aristotle/Alexander is performed in the intimate setting of Company of Angels, which is located just outside Downtown Los Angeles. Plus, parking is easy with both metered spots and a free lot available.