ESU Theatre schedules classic Greek plays

ESU Theatre continues the 2007-2008 season with the classic Greek plays "The Trojan Women" and "Lysistrata" at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall. Performance dates are November 14-17, 28-30 and December 1, 2007 at 7:30 pm. Both plays will be performed each night. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students.

"The Trojan Women" by Euripides was written and first performed about 415 BC. A response to the Peloponnesian Wars raging in Greece at the time, Euripides set his play at the time of the Trojan War in the 12th century BC.

The ESU production was adapted for the stage in 1980 by two English writers, John Barton and Kenneth Cavander. It is one episode of a ten-play cycle called THE GREEKS, first presented at London’s National Theatre. The play follows the fates of the women of Troy after their city has been sacked, their husbands killed, and their remaining families taken away as slaves.

Leading the survivors is Queen Hecuba played by Tricia Stogsdill (Pleasanton). Cassandra is played by Camille Schmierer (Wichita), Helen by Kelsey Fredricks (Mandan, ND) and Andromache by Julie Soroko from Topeka.

"Lysistrata," by the Greek comic writer Aristophanes was first produced in Athens about 411 BC. ESU presents the 2003 adaptation by New York playwright Ellen McLaughlin written as part of a nationwide response to the Iraq War. Lysistrata takes place in the middle of the Peloponnesian War. With no hope of peace in sight, the women of Greece agree to take drastic measures to bring an end to the war. Lindsay Roland of Grand Island, Neb. plays Lysistrata and Pat Janssen of Emporia plays her primary adversary, an Athenian Magistrate.

Both plays are under the direction of Theresa Mitchell. The production team includes Kyle Land (set designer), Susan Mai (costume designer), Seniors Michael Wilke and Samantha Davis (lighting designers) and Amanda Dura (Costume Shop Manager). Senior Tricia Stogsdill is the assistant designer for hair and makeup. Junior T.J. Erickson is the production stage manager.

 

Last Updated February 4, 2008>