Theater of War Productions Presents Virtual Event: Ajax and Philoctetes
by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | October 16, 2020
UPDATE: To view photos of the event, view our Gallery here.
This is a dramatic reading of scenes of Sophocles, Ajax and Philoctetes to catalyze guided discussions about the visible and invisible wounds of war. Featuring performances by Damian Lewis, Lesley Sharp, Nyasha Hatendi, and Jason Isaacs. Translated and directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries. You must register for free tickets here or here.
Date And Time:
Friday, November 6, 2020
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM EST
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM BST
This special event is a collaboration with Bravehound, a Scottish charity that supports veterans and their families in the United Kingdom. We are proud to open this event up to the public, fostering healing dialogue with the Bravehound community. Bravehound supports former servicemen, women and their families by providing training and dogs to veterans. Visit Bravehound’s website here.
Theater of War is an innovative public health project that presents readings of scenes from ancient Greek plays as a catalyst for guided discussions about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Using Sophocles plays to forge a common vocabulary for openly discussing the visible and invisible wounds of war, these events are aimed at generating compassion and understanding between diverse audiences.
All Theater of War Productions events follow the same format:
- The actors will read the play
- Four community panelists will kick-off the discussion with their gut responses to what resonated with them across time
- They will open the discussion to the audience, facilitated by Bryan Doerries. During the discussion, please raise your hand using the button at the bottom center of the screen. If called upon, you will be promoted to speak and you will be visible and heard by the entire audience for the duration of your comments. If you would prefer not to be seen, please disable your video when entering the event.
Ajax
BY SOPHOCLES
Sophocles’ Ajax tells the story of a fierce warrior who slips into a depression near the end of The Trojan War, after losing his best friend, Achilles. Feeling betrayed, Ajax attempts to murder his commanding officers, fails, and ultimately, takes his own life. The play tells the story of the events leading up to Ajax’s suicide, as well as the story of his wife and troops’ attempt to intervene before it’s too late. The play also depicts the devastating impact of Ajax’s suicide upon his wife, son, brother, troops, and chain of command.
Philoctetes
BY SOPHOCLES
Sophocles’ Philoctetes tells the story of decorated warrior who is abandoned on a deserted island because of mysterious chronic illness that he contracts on the way to the Trojan War. Nine years later, the Greeks learn from an oracle that in order to win the war they must rescue him from island. When they finally come for him, the wounded warrior must overcome nine long years of festering resentment and shame in order to accept help from the very men who betrayed him.
Source: Theater of War Productions