Open to Public
The Dionysus Project: Nantucket
Theater of War Productions works with acclaimed actors to present dramatic readings of seminal texts as a framework for engaging diverse communities in powerful discussions about pressing issues of public health and social justice. The company is thrilled be returning to Nantucket with two projects aimed at generating crucial dialogue about the impact of substance abuse, addiction, and the opioid epidemic on individuals, families, and communities.
The Dionysus Project presents dramatic readings of scenes from Euripides' Bacchae, an ancient Greek play about the destructive power of intoxication, as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about the impact of substance abuse and addiction upon individuals, families, and communities.
First produced in 405 BC, Euripides' Bacchae tells the ancient story of the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication, in Greece. When Dionysus comes to the city of Thebes, he liberates the people from their homes, sending the citizens - dancing and drinking - into the hills. A young king, named Pentheus, tries to subdue the revelry and restore order to his city, waging an all-out war against the god. But when Pentheus first tastes the drug that has ravaged his city, he too succumbs to its power and is murdered by his own mother, in a deranged state of intoxication.
Featuring performances by Debra Winger (Terms of Endearment, Rachel Getting Married), Moses Ingram (The Queen's Gambit, Obi-Wan Kenobi), Arliss Howard (Full Metal Jacket, Mank), Chris Henry Coffey (Trust, Chicago Fire), Babe Howard (Lapsis, With/In)
Adapted, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and Dreamland Film, Theatre & Cultural Center. This program is made possible by a grant provided by the Town of Nantucket.
This free, public, live hybrid event will take place on Zoom Webinar, broadcast from Nantucket. These events will be captioned in English on Zoom. If you choose to join us online, this event can be accessed on personal devices. The event Zoom link will be distributed via email and available to registered attendees starting two days prior to the event.
To register to attend in-person please visit: http://www.nantucketdreamland.org
All of Theater of War Productions' events follow the same format:
- The performers will read the text.
- Community panelists will kick off the discussion with their gut responses to what resonated with them across time.
- We will open the discussion to the audience, facilitated by Bryan Doerries. To participate in the discussion online, please raise your hand using the button at the bottom center of the screen. If called upon, please accept the invitation to 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.
About the play
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The Bacchae by Euripides
First produced in 405 BC, Euripides' Bacchae tells the ancient story of the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication, in Greece. When Dionysus comes to the city of Thebes, he liberates the people from their homes, sending the citizens - dancing and drinking - into the hills. A young king, named Pentheus, tries to subdue the revelry and restore order to his city, waging an all-out war against the god. But when Pentheus first tastes the drug that has ravaged his city, he too succumbs to its power and is murdered by his own mother, in a deranged state of intoxication.
Cast Members
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Moses Ingram
Dionysus
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Debra Winger
Agaue/Tiresias
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Arliss Howard
Cadmus
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Chris Henry Coffey
Pentheus
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Babe Howard
Messenger
Explore Projects
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Addiction & Substance AbuseThe Dionysus ProjectThe Dionysus Project is an innovative public health project that presents readings of scenes from Euripides' Bacchae, an ancient Greek play about the destructive power of intoxication, as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the impact of substance abuse and addiction upon individuals, families, and communities. The project uses an ancient Greek tragedy, written nearly 2500 years ago, to engage audiences in crucial discussions about the timelessness of the human struggle with substance abuse and addiction, as well as resources and solutions that communities can utilize today.
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GenocideThe InvestigationTheater of War Productions and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, in partnership with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, present readings of scenes Peter Weiss' play The Investigation, a piece of documentary theater adapted from the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963-1965. This project centers on guided discussions about mass murder and its lasting impact upon individuals, families, communities, and countries throughout the world. Performed by a diverse cast, including international performers from communities affected by genocide, The Investigation seeks to generate powerful dialogue across cultures and communities about the human capacity for evil, as well as the systems and hierarchies that create the conditions for unthinkable violence.
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Racism & Social JusticeFrederick DouglassFrederick Douglass is a project that presents dramatic readings of Douglass' speeches by professional actors as a catalyst for powerful dialogue about racism, inequality, civil rights, education, and the legal system with the objective of fostering compassion, understanding, and positive action.