Greek Theatre Now founder and producer Michael J Smith has a background in opera, politics and physical fitness. He was an opera student at the VCA Melbourne and Royal Academy of Music, London. He sang professionally in productions around the world. He worked with leading directors and conductors David Alden, Sir John Hopkins and Douglas Horton. In London he lived with world famous pianist Geoffrey Parsons. He was the lead tenor in the world premiere of new Australian opera The Hive which won Green Room and Helpmann Awards. Michael was also a journalist and political adviser. He was a politics opinion writer for the ABC and wrote for The Australian business magazine, the Herald Sun and The Bulletin/Newsweek. He was a senior media adviser in the Victorian Kennett Government and Australian Howard Government. Michael was an International Red Cross media spokesman during emergencies and disasters around the world, including the Ebola crisis in West Africa and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. He is also a businessman. Michael headed his own media and government relations company for 20 years, advising governments around the world. Michael also sings countertenor and fronted early music group Baroquial, singing the works of Vivaldi, Bach and Purcell. He was the voice of Nazi Heinrich Himmler in the 2020 Apple TV 6-part mini series Adolf Hitler’s War. Michael is also an endurance athlete. He competes in marathons around the world. “Endurance in the body, endurance in life,” said Michael. He is thrilled to bring outdoor Greek theatre to the Burbidge Amphitheatre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia’s political capital. “Thank you Cate Clelland and the entire cast and crew for stepping forward to be part of this,” said Michael. “The Greek theatre plays explore the role of the individual and the role of the collective. They are as relevant today as they were 2500 years ago when they premiered in Athens during the birth of democracy.”