In May of 2020, Theater of War Productions began presenting its projects online. These virtual events are live, and they are not available afterward for on-demand views. Our goal is to invite diverse audiences to join us in a dynamic space to participate in an ephemeral experience, in which risks can be taken, interpretations shared, and truths told, as well as witnessed. We hope to see you at one of our online events soon and invite you to get to know the topics we address and the communities we’ve served.
The Oedipus Project presents acclaimed actors reading scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, constructive, global conversations about the climate crisis, ecological disaster, environmental justice, and healing online conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon diverse communities throughout the world. Sophocles’ ancient play, first performed in 429 BC, just after the first wave of a plague that killed nearly one-third of the Athenian population, is a story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, intergenerational curses, and a pestilence and ecological collapse that ravages the archaic city of Thebes. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King appears to have been a powerful tool for helping Athenians communalize trauma and loss, while interrogating their own complicit role in the suffering, not just of those around them but of generations to come.
Oedipus Project Highlights
The Oedipus Project: Climate Crisis
2021
Watch the Oedipus Project: Climate Crisis trailer.
The Oedipus Project presents acclaimed actors reading scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King on Zoom as a catalyst for powerful, constructive, global conversations about climate change, ecological disaster, and environmental justice. Sophocles’ ancient play, first performed in 429 BC, just after a plague that killed nearly one-third of the Athenian population, is a story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, intergenerational curses, willful blindness, and a pestilence and ecological collapse that ravages the archaic city of Thebes. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King appears to have been a powerful tool for helping Athenians communalize trauma and loss, while interrogating their own complicit role in the suffering, not just of those around them but of generations to come.
This event was presented as part of the Nobel Prize Summit: Our Planet, Our Future, hosted by the Nobel Foundation and organized by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in partnership with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research/Stockholm Resilience Centre/Beijer Institute. Thousands of audience members tuned in from 82 countries to participate in a global discussion.
This event featured performances by Bill Murray (Lost in Translation), Corey Hawkins (Straigt Outta Compton), Frances McDormand (Nomadland), Jeffrey Wright (Westworld), Frankie Faison (The Wire), David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager of Theater of War Productions), and Jumaane Williams (New York City Public Advocate), and a Chorus of Nobel Prize-winning scientists, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn and Dr. Harold Varmus.
Can Greek Tragedy Get Us Through The Pandemic
The New Yorker / 2020
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Oscar Isaac, Frances McDormand, and David Strathairn in The Oedipus Project premiere on 5/7/20. Read the profile in The New Yorker by Elif Batuman on Theater of War Productions and The Oedipus Project Premiere.
Frances McDormand Plays Jocasta
on Zoom / 2021
Watch the trailer for The Oedipus Project at the Nobel Prize Summit: Our Planet, Our Future.
Jeffrey Wright plays the blind prophet Tiresias
on Zoom / 2021
Watch the trailer for The Oedipus Project at the Nobel Prize Summit: Our Planet, Our Future.
The Oedipus Project Trailer
2020
Actors and activists bring 'Oedipus' to Zoom in healing performance
CNN.com / 2020
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Marjolaine Goldsmith, playing the Priest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams playing the Chorus, Oscar Isaac playing Oedipus, and John Turturro playing Creon. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and theater director Bryan Doerries reflect on The Oedipus Project and the arts in the current COVID-19 climate. Read the article in The Brooklyn Rail.
The Oedipus Project Premiere Discussion
Zoom / 2020
Bryan Doerries facilitates the discussions with panelists:
Paulette Soltani, Political Director, VOCAL-NY is recognized for her work across New York City in affordable housing and homelessness. She has been an outspoken critic of the way homeless individuals are treated - or not - and most recently how vulnerable they are during this pandemic. VOCAL-NY is a statewide membership organization that focuses on low-income people affected by various social ills.
Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian-American Federation. The organization was established in 1989 and represents a network of community service agencies including health and human services, education and economic development. Jo-Ann has been outspoken about discrimination faced by the Asian American community in the face of COVID 19. As you know the Asian American community (here in NY) have some of the lowest infection and death rates from the disease. Jo-Ann has been appointed to the State task force on re-opening New York.
Dr. Robert Gore, has been treating COVID-19 patients as an emergency room attending physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County and SUNY Downstate Medical Center (where he is also a faculty member). He is the founder of the Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI) which earned him recognition as a CNN Hero, entry into the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program, and other awards. He founded the SUNY Downstate Medical Center Minority Medical Student Emergency Medicine (MMSEM) Summer Fellowship - a mentoring program for underrepresented minorities in medicine. He has also worked in disaster zones in Haiti. Dr Gore was raised in Brooklyn, he and his wife reside in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of the borough.
Anthony Almojera, Vice President of the EMS Officers Union. 42 years old and Born and raised in Brooklyn New York. Have lived Montana and California in early 20s and traveled to 90 countries. Majored in theatre and political science in Brooklyn college. A NYC paramedic working with FDNY EMS since 2004 and currently a lieutenant with EMS and work out of EMS station 40 in sunset park Brooklyn.
Audience members Frernanda, Hui Li.
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Frances McDormand plays Jocasta
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Jeffrey Wright plays Tiresias
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Frankie Faison plays the Shepherd
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
David Strathairn plays Messenger 1
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Glenn Davis plays Messenger 2
The Oedipus Project Premiere
Zoom / 2020
Oscar Isaac plays Oedipus
Nyasha Hatendi, Marjolaine Goldsmith, and Damian Lewis in The Oedipus Project
on Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi plays the Chorus, Damian Lewis plays Oedipus, and Marjolaine Goldsmith plays Tiresias in The Oeidpus Project for an international audience spanning 46 countries.
Nyasha Hatendi, Damian Lewis, Nick Holder and Brían F. O'Byrne in The Oedipus Project
on Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi plays the Chorus, Damian Lewis plays Oedipus, Nick Holder plays the Messenger, and Brían F. O'Byrne plays the Shepherd in The Oeidpus Project for an international audience spanning 46 countries.
Damian Lewis in The Oeidpus Project
On Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi, Damian Lewis, Jason Isaacs and Lesley Sharp in The Oedipus Project
Nyasha Hatendi plays the Chorus, Damian Lewis plays Oedipus, Jason Isaacs plays Creon, and Lesley Sharp plays Jocasta in The Oeidpus Project for an international audience spanning 46 countries.
Damian Lewis plays Oedipus
on Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi, Damian Lewis, Nick Holder Brían F. O'Byrne, and Kathryn Hunter in The Oedipus Project
On Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi plays the Chorus, Damian Lewis plays Oedipus, Nick Holder plays the Messenger, Brían F. O'Byrne plays the Shepherd and Cathryn Hunter plays The Priest, in The Oeidpus Project for an international audience spanning 46 countries.
Using poetry as a catalyst for an Intergenerational performance and discussion during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Project Highlights
The World on Fire: Ecology, Poetry, and Disability Justice
on Zoom / 2021
An evening of readings and a dialogue among distinguished poets and young poets of tomorrow— a chorus of diverse voices exploring the transformative power of words at the intersection of disability and climate justice.
Presented by Theater of War Productions, Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach at the Burton Blatt Institute, Nine Mile Art Corp, Wordgathering: A Journal of Disability Poetry and Literature, and The International Writing Program.
Supported by the Academy of American Poets with funds from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Co-facilitated by Bryan Doerries and Diane R. Wiener.
Featuring poems and performances by: Ona Gritz, Stephen Kuusisto, Ekiwah Adler-Belendez, Taylor Brorby, Camisha Jones, Maddy Dietz (Class of 2020 National Student Poet), Christian Butterfield (Class of 2019 National Student Poet), Alondra Uribe (Class of 2019 National Student Poet), David James "DJ" Savarese, and Christopher Costello.
Those Winter Sundays
on Zoom / 2021
This special collaboration between Theater of War Productions and the PBS series Poetry in America presented readings by the actors Bill Murray (Lost in Translation) and Moses Ingram (The Queen’s Gambit) of Robert Hayden's 1960s sonnet “Those Winter Sundays,” as a catalyst for a powerful, guided discussion about the everyday struggle of surviving, thriving, and connecting during this incredibly difficult winter. The event also featured a recorded reading of Hayden's poem by President Joe Biden, helping frame crucial dialogue between diverse communities about economic hardship, family dynamics, parenting, domestic violence, racism, and American identity during this divided and fractured time. Using the poem to build bridges and create a vocabulary for talking about the challenges before us and within our homes, Those Winter Sundays aims to foster compassion, understanding, healing, and resilience.
Facilitated by Bryan Doerries and Elisa New.
Featuring the following panelists:
Karen Bailey, Teacher, Flint, MI
Anthony Almojera, EMS Officer FDNY
Manasi Garg, National Student Poet, Saratoga, CA
Al-Tabar Hudgins, RISE Project Uptown Coordinator, NYC
Nathalie Arzu, RISE Project Uptown Program Manger
Watch the full Event: Poetry for the Pandemic
On Zoom / 2020
Poetry For the Pandemic: November 12, 2020
Bill Murray
On Zoom / 2020
Bill Murray reads:
When Poetry Visits: Ars Poetica by Laura Rothenberg
Tracie Thoms and Bill Murray
On Zoom / 2020
Poetry for the Pandemic’ Showcases Timeless Verse, Bill Murray
On Zoom / 2020
Isabella Ramirez and Juan Felipe Herrera, US Poet Laureate 2015–2017 Read the article in The Emory Wheel.
Isabella Ramirez reads:
Let me Tell You What a Poem Brings by Juan Felipe Herrera for Charles Fishman
&
Exiles by Juan Felipe Herrera
Juan Felipe Herrera reads:
Mama by Isabella Ramirez
Anthony Wiles and Joshua Bennet
On Zoom / 2020
Anthony Wiles and Joshua Bennet read each other's poems.
Joshua Bennett reads:
we went Home to Crystal by Anthony Wiles
Anthony John Wiles, Jr reads:
Mike Brown is a Type of Christ by Joshua Bennett
Manasi Garg and Mahogany L. Browne
On Zoom / 2020
Manasi Garg and Mahogany L. Browne read each other's poems.
Manasi Garg reads:
litany by Mahogany L. Browne
Mahogany L. Browne reads:
Conversations at the Kitchen Table by Manasi Garg
Patricia Smith and Maddy Dietz
On Zoom / 2020
Patricia Smith and Maddy Dietz read each other's poems.
Patricia Smith reads:
BRACKEN by Madelyn Dietz
Madelyn Dietz reads:
10-Year-Old Shot Three Times, but She’s Fine by Patricia Smith
Molly McCully Brown and Ethan Wang
On Zoom / 2020
Molly McCully Brown and Ethan Wang read each other's poems.
Ethan Wang reads:
What There is To Give by Molly McCully Brown
Molly McCully Brown reads:
walk through the suburbs by Ethan Wang
Poetry for the Pandemic: November 12th
On Zoom / 2020
An intergenerational discussion about poetry during the pandemic.
Antigone in Ferguson is a groundbreaking project that fuses dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of Sophocles’ Antigone with live choral music performed by a diverse choir, including activists, youth, teachers, police officers, and concerned citizens from St. Louis, Missouri and New York City, culminating in powerful, healing discussions about racialized violence, police brutality, systemic oppression, gender-based violence, health inequality, and social justice. Antigone in Ferguson was conceived in the wake of Michael Brown’s death in 2014, through a collaboration between Theater of War Productions and community members from Ferguson, MO, and premiered at Normandy High School, Michael Brown’s alma mater, in September of 2016.
Antigone in Ferguson Highlights
Antigone in Ferguson Online Premiere Trailer
On Zoom / 2020
This special event was presented on August 9, 2020 as part of "The Virtual Experience" 6th Annual Michael Brown Memorial Weekend in honor of the life of Michael Brown Jr., and foreground the perspectives of families who have lost their loved ones to police brutality and community violence. We were honored to have Gwen Carr (Eric Garner’s mother), Valerie Bell (Sean Bell’s mother), Marion Gray-Hopkins (Gary Hopkins Jr’s mother), and Uncle Bobby X (Oscar Grant’s uncle) kick off the discussion with their gut responses to the performance, and Cori Bush introduce the event.
This event featured performances by Oscar Isaac, Tracie Thoms, Ato Blankson-Wood, Willie Woodmore, Marjolaine Goldsmith, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, De-Rance Blaylock, Duane Martin Foster, Marcelle Davies Lashley, John Leggette, and Gheremi Clay, and the Antigone in Ferguson Choir.
"I'm Covered" Antigone in Ferguson Virtual Choir
2020
In this time of violence, outrage, division, and grief, Theater of War Productions is honored to share this virtual offering, performed by the Antigone in Ferguson Choir, directed by composer Phil Woodmore @phil_woodmore, and led by the amazing De-Rance Blaylock @deepopstar, graduate of Normandy High School and teacher of Michael Brown. The singers and musicians featured in this video include educators, students, activists, social workers, members of the faith community, and police officers from St. Louis and New York City who have made the commitment to sing together in order to start powerful, uncomfortable, transformative discussions about race and gender-based violence.
The song, “I’m Covered,” written by Phil Woodmore for the project Antigone in Ferguson, is a healing hymn that comes at the end of the play as a collective response to the violence, outrage, division, and grief that precedes it. "Every night that we sing 'I’m Covered' at the end of the play,” said Ms. Blaylock, “it’s my way of covering my student Michael Brown.” We hope that in watching this video, you feel covered, if not by a higher power, then by the humanity, spirit, and hope at the center of the song.
We offer “I’m Covered” for interpretation and discussion, with the hope that it will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
In solidarity,
Theater of War Productions
Special thanks to our partners the Brooklyn Public Library @bplpresentsand the Stavros Niarchos Foundation @snforg.
House Seats: Antigone in Ferguson
All Arts / 2019
Experience a powerful fusion of Sophocles’ classic tragedy, Antigone, with live music from a contemporary gospel choir and highly personal community discussion. This multifaceted production explores themes of tragedy, trauma and social justice, and shows us that a 2500-year-old play is still relevant today. The all-star ensemble of actors includes Samira Wiley, Chris Noth and Tamara Tunie. Watch the video.
Duane Foster sings in Antigone in Fergsuon
Wellspring Church, St. Louis, MO / 2016
Crowd on the basketball court
Howard Playground, Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY / 2017
Paul Giamatti playing Creon
Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD / 2017
Mrs. Norma Leggette speaks in the audience during Antigone in Ferguson discussion
Wellspring Church, St. Louis, MO / 2016
Meet the Antigone in Ferguson Choir: Duane Foster
2018
Meet the Antigone in Ferguson Choir: Marcelle Davies-Lashley
Brooklyn, NY / 2018
Meet the Antigone in Ferguson Choir: De Andrea Blaylock-Johnson
Ferguson, MO / 2018
Antigone in Ferguson, Meet the Choir: De-Rance Blaylock
Normandy High School, St. Louis, MO / 2018
Antigone in Ferguson, Meet the Choir: Willie Wooodmore
St. Peters, MO / 2018
Meet the Antigone in Ferguson Choir: Lt. Latricia Allen
St. Louis, MO / 2018
What About Justice?: Paul Giamatti and Sonja Sohn star in 'Antigone in Ferguson' at Coppin
City Paper / 2017
Read the article
Michael Brown and the Raw Power of ‘Antigone in Ferguson’
The Daily Beast / 2018
A Chorus Remembers Michael Brown in ‘Antigone in Ferguson’
The New York Times / 2018
Michael Brown Sr. served on the panel during the discussion of Antigone in Ferguson. Read the article.
Missouri Theater Embraces Ferguson Echoes In 'Antigone' Production
NPR / 2016
Antigone in Ferguson - Onassis Festival NY - Antigone Now
Onassis Foundation USA / 2016
Antigone in Ferguson presented at the Onassis Foundation's Festival Antigone Now
Antigone in Ferguson presented at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Nostos Festival
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Athens, Greece / 2017
Tracie Thoms plays Antigone
on Zoom / 2020
On August 9 2020, we had the privilege of presenting Antigone in Ferguson as part of the 6th Annual Michael Brown Memorial Weekend in honor of the life of Michael Brown Jr., hosted by Chosen for Change with opening remarks by Cori Bush, and panelists: Gwen Carr, Valerie Bell, Uncle Bobby X, and Marion Gray-Hopkins, thousands of audience members tuned in from 48 countries.
Cori Bush delivers opening remarks
on Zoom / 2020
On August 9 2020, we had the privilege of presenting Antigone in Ferguson as part of the 6th Annual Michael Brown Memorial Weekend in honor of the life of Michael Brown Jr., hosted by Chosen for Change with opening remarks by Cori Bush, and panelists: Gwen Carr, Valerie Bell, Uncle Bobby X, and Marion Gray-Hopkins, thousands of audience members tuned in from 48 countries.
Oscar Isaac plays Creon
on Zoom / 2020
Marjolaine Goldsmith plays Ismene and Euridyce
on Zoom / 2020
Soloist De-Rance Blaylock
on Zoom / 2020
Ato Blankson Wood plays Haemon
on Zoom / 2020
Willie Woodmore plays Tiresias
on Zoom / 2020
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams plays the Messenger
on Zoom / 2020
Chorus of Antigone in Ferguson
on Zoom / 2020
The music composed and conducted by Phil Woodmore, is sung by 5 soloists and a choir composed of Activists, teachers, law enforcement officers, members of the faith community, and students, from St. Louis and New York City. Our sound technician Matt Craig, found a way to feature the music and vocalists on zoom so we could have a live performance of the music in the live event!
Moses Ingram Plays Antigone
On Zoom / 2020
Tate Donovan plays Creon
on Zoom / 2020
Corey Hawkins plays Haemon
On Zoom / 2020
Theater of War Frontline is an innovative project—developed by Theater of War Productions, the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Johns Hopkins Program in Arts, Humanities & Health—that presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of scenes from ancient Greek plays for audiences of frontline medical professionals to open up powerful dialogue about difficult subjects, fostering a sense of connection and promoting health-seeking behavior. By presenting ancient plays to doctors, nurses, EMTs, respiratory therapists, and the frontline community about emotionally-charged, ethically complex situations, Theater of War Frontline aims to create a brave space for open, candid dialogue and reflection, fostering compassion, a renewed sense of community, and positive action.
Highlights
Theater of War Frontline Trailer
2020
Throughout 2020, under a grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, we have presented Theater of War Frontline to the following frontline communities: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, NYC Uniformed EMS Officers Union, American College of Emergency Physicians, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Mount Sinai Health System, Doctors Without Borders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler, Lenox Hill Hospital, NYU Langone Health, and Montefiore Medical Center.
Theater of War Frontline: Mount Sinai
On Zoom / 2020
Frances McDormand, Frankie Faison, and Marjolaine Goldsmith in Theater of War Frontline: Mount Sinai on November 19, 2020. Read the article in The Washington Post.
Theater Of War: Using Greek Tragedy To Help Frontline Medical Workers Cope During Covid-19
Forbes / 2020
Read the feature about Theater of War Frontline in Forbes. Amy Ryan, Anthony Almojera, and Chad Coleman in Theater of War Frontline EMS on July 30 2020.
Dramatic interventions in the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic
The Lancet / 2020
Read the feature in The Lancet
Frances McDormand plays Hercules in The Women of Trachis
on Zoom / 2020
Frances McDormand plays Hercules in The Women of Trachis presented to the Baltimore and Johns Hopkins medical community in June 2020 with The Berman Institute of Bioethics in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Frankie Faison plays the Chorus in Philoctetes and The Women of Trachis
on Zoom / 2020
Frankie Faison plays the Chorus in Philoctetes and The Women of Trachis, presented to the Baltimore and Johns Hopkins medical community in June 2020 with The Berman Institute of Bioethics in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
David Strathairn plays Philoctetes
on Zoom / 2020
David Strathairn plays Philoctetes presented to the Baltimore and Johns Hopkins medical community in June 2020 with The Berman Institute of Bioethics in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jesse Eisenberg plays Hyllus in The Women of Trachis
on Zoom / 2020
Jesse Eisenberg plays Hyllus in The Women of Trachis presented to the Baltimore and Johns Hopkins medical community in June 2020 with The Berman Institute of Bioethics in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Theater of War for Frontline
2020
Panel in Theater of War Frontline with Johns Hopkins Bermen Institute of Bioethics. This panel includes a nurse, a respiratory therapist, a medical student, and an ER doctor.
A conversation about death, begun 2,500 years ago in Greece
UCSF / 2018
Theater of War for Medical Communities was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle
Jesse Eisenberg, David Zayas, and Frances McDormand
On Zoom / 2020
Presenting Sophocles' Women of Trachis during Theater of War Frontline at Lincoln Medical Center.
Frankie Faison, Jesse Eisenberg, and David Zayas
on Zoom / 2020
Presenting Sophocles' Philoctetes during Theater of War for Frontline Medical Providers at Lincoln Medical Center.
Frontline: Doctors Without Borders/MSF
On Zoom / 2020
Frances McDormand, Nyasha Hatendi, and Frankie Faison in Theater of War Frontline: Doctors Without Borders/MSF.
End of Life presents readings of ancient Greek plays in public settings and medical communities as a catalyst for facilitated discussions about challenges faced by patients, families, and health professionals today around end of life care. This unique, participatory event is intended to promote powerful, open discussion among diverse communities - public and professional - fostering compassion, cooperation, and understanding about living with chronic suffering and the mortality we all share.
End of Life Highlights
Charles S. Dutton as Hercules in Women of Trachis
Harvard Medical School / 2010
Screams from Greek stage aim for doctors’ hearts Drama animates issues in Harvard ethics course
Harvard Medical School / 2010
Read the article on Boston.com
Theater of the mind, heart and spirit
Harvard Medical School / 2010
End of Life - Women of Trachis Reading │ IOM Committee on Approaching Death
Chautauqua Institution CHQ Health Care Forum / 2013
The King Lear Project presents streamlined readings of scenes from Shakespeare’s King Lear to engage diverse audiences—including older adults, caregivers, and family members—in open, healing, constructive, discussions about the challenges of aging, dementia, and caring for friends and loved ones.
King Lear Highlights
James Earl Jones
The Bronx Museum of the Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Grandparents around the world presents king lear project
Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
It was a star-studded performance at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Legendary Actor James Earl Jones partnered with Grandparents Around the World and Theater of War to bring Shakespeare's King Lear to the Bronx with a team of famed actors -- as a way to build bridges through communication among the various age groups reflected in communities.
Linda Powell, James Earl Jones, and his son, Flynn Jones
The Bronx Museum of the Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
James Earl Jones as King Lear
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
photo by Beowulf Sheehan
The King Lear Project Cast
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
Juliana Francis Kelly, Andrea Patterson, Obi Abili, Linda Powell, James Earl Jones, and his son, Flynn Jones.
photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Peter Francis James as Albany, and Juliana Francis Kelly as Goneril
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
photo by Beowulf Sheehan
The King Lear Project presented to Grandparents Around The World
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Andrea Patterson plays Regan and Juliana Francis Kelly plays Goneril
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Obi Abili plays the Fool
The Bronx Museum of the Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Peter Francis James plays Albany
The Bronx Museum of the Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Juliana Francis Kelly plays Goneril
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
James Earl Jones plays King Lear
The Bronx Museum of The Arts / 2019
Photo by Beowulf Sheehan
Marjolaine Goldsmith as Cordelia
Edie Windsor SAGE Center / 2019
Cynthia Nixon as King Lear, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as the Fool
Edie Windsor SAGE Center / 2019
Harris Yulin as Lear
Carroll Gardens Branch - Brooklyn Public Library / 2019
Obi Abili plays the fool, Marjolaine Goldsmith plays Cordelia.
photo by Gregg Richards
Obi Abili plays the fool
Carroll Gardens Branch - Brooklyn Public Library / 2019
photo by Gregg Richards
The Audience at the King Lear Project
Carroll Gardens Branch - Brooklyn Public Library / 2019
photo by Gregg Richards
Juliana Francis Kelly as Goneril
Carroll Gardens Branch - Brooklyn Public Library / 2019
photo by Gregg Richards
Tesa Arozqueta, Director of Outreach
Carroll Gardens Branch - Brooklyn Public Library / 2019
Tesa Arozqueta, Director of Outreach for the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence speaks from the audience of the King Lear Project.
photo by Gregg Richards
Painting by Wyckoff Senior Center
Wyckoff Senior Center / 2019
We were so honored that in advance of our performance of The King Lear Project, the Wyckoff Senior Center Art Class collectively worked on a painting inspired by the play. To open the event, the Wyckoff choir performed "Lean on Me".
A groundbreaking project by and for nurses, The Nurse Antigone presents dramatic readings of Sophocles’ Antigone on Zoom—featuring professional actors and a chorus of frontline nurses—to help frame powerful, guided discussions about the unique challenges faced by nurses before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nurse Antigone Highlights
The Nurse Antigone Trailer
2022
Watch the Nurse Antigone Trailer with clips from the launch performance of the twelve-part series. Featuring performances by Tracie Thoms, Margaret Atwood, Bill Camp, and Taylor Schilling, and remarks by nurses Ruth Kinsella, Kara Curry, Charlaine Lasse, and Craig Manbauman.
“Confronting Grief, With Margaret Atwood, in ’The Nurse Antigone’”
The New York Times / 2022
“Confronting Grief, With Margaret Atwood, in ’The Nurse Antigone’” by Alisha Haridasani Gupta
A dramatic reading by Theater of War Productions will include the author and practicing nurses who have held the front line of the pandemic.
“Front-line nurses star in online staging of play ‘Antigone’”
Associated Press / 2022
“Front-line nurses star in online staging of play ‘Antigone’” by Mark Kennedy
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Taylor Schilling plays Ismene and Tracie Thoms plays Antigone in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
The Inaugural Nurse Chorus: Charlaine Lasse (Registered Nurse, IV Therapy, Neonatal Intensive Care), Amy Smith (Nurse Practitioner, Northwell Health, Hofstra University), Aliki Argiropoulos (Nurse Clinician II, Blood and Marrow Transplant, Oncology Critical Care, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital).
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams plays The Messenger in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Ato Blankson Wood plays Haemon in The Nurse Antigone Launch
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Tracie Thoms plays Antigone in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Taylor Schilling plays Eurydice in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Panelists in the Nurse Antigone Launch, discussion co-facilitated by Cynda Rushton and Bryan Doerries.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Margaret Atwood plays Tiresias in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
The Nurse Antigone Launch
On Zoom / 2022
Bill Camp plays Creon in The Nurse Antigone Launch.
Rooted in discussions about the invisible and visible wounds of war, the company’s hallmark project is designed to increase awareness of psychological health issues, disseminate information on available resources, and foster greater community cohesion.
Theater of War Highlights
Theater of War Trailer
2020
Watch the Theater of War Trailer
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford presents Theater of War to Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders
National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, DC / 2017
Zach Grenier, Glenn Davis, and Marjolaine Goldsmith are introduced by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford. See article.
Reading of Scenes from Sophocles’ AJAX
National Geographic Society, Washington, DC / 2016
Jeffrey Wright, Marjolaine Goldsmith, Reg E. Cathey, and David Strathairn present Theater of War on the fifteenth anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks. This performance was featured in The New Yorker.
Theater of War on PBS Newshour
2011
Like War Itself, Effects of War Are Hell. Ask the Greeks.
The New York Times / 2008
Theater of War: Battling PTSD with Sophocles
The Aspen Institute, Scholastic Auditorium, NY / 2016
Reg E. Cathey, Kathryn Erbe, and Michael Stuhlbarg perform Sophocles' Philoctetes, followed by a conversation with the audience, Bryan Doerries and Maurice Decaul.
Theater of War, the origin story by Bryan Doerries
Chautauqua Institution / 2016
In Ancient Dramas, Vital Words For Today's Warriors
NPR / 2008
The Anguish of War for Today’s Soldiers, Explored by Sophocles
The New York Times / 2009
You Are Not Alone Across Time Using Sophocles to treat PTSD
Harpers Magazine / 2014
Harpers Magazine profiles Theater of War. Read the article.
Sophocles and awe: the director hitting war vets with Greek tragedy
The Guardian / 2015
Theater of War Productions presents Sophocles’ ‘Ajax’ at Miller Theatre, wrestles with impact of war through dialogue across campus and across time
Columbia University / 2019
Theater of War Productions collaborated with Columbia University in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Core Curriculum. We presented Ajax to an audience comprised of Columbia Students and New York City Veterans struggling with homelessness and addiction to contextualize and interrogate the text that has been taught for 100 years. Read about the performance in the Columbia Spectator
The Tecmessa Project presents readings of Sophocles’s Ajax, an ancient play about the visible and invisible wounds of war, as the catalyst for discussions focusing on the unique challenges faced by military family members, including couples, children, caregivers, and communities. This project is designed to promote understanding, compassion, and positive action.
Highlights
The Tecmessa Project
The Greene Space WNYC & WQXR / 2018
Prometheus in Prison is an innovative public health project that presents readings of Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound, an ancient Greek play about god who is imprisoned for stealing fire and giving it to humans, as a catalyst for powerful discussions about the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities whose lives have been touched by the criminal justice system. For the past decade years, this groundbreaking project has been used to open up healing dialogue in a variety of settings, including prisons, detention centers, and public venues throughout the country and the world.
Prometheus in Prison Highlights
Prometheus in Prison Trailer
Prometheus in Prison: Live from The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR
The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR / 2018
Designed to raise awareness about opiate addiction and alcohol abuse, the project is intended to promote dialogue about helping those who are struggling with addiction.
Addiction Performance Project Highlights
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Short Documentary
Washington, DC / 2011
Actors perform for medical students and faculty
University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ / 2011
Bryan Doerries, Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, and Marjolaine Goldsmith perform scenes from Long Day's Journey into Night
Fort Rucker, AL / 2016
The 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.
The Dionysus Project Highlights
The Dionysus Project Trailer
Full performance video
The Greene Space WNYC & WQXR / 2018
This project presents a one-man Irish play about a 24-year-old whose life is coming apart, due to drinking, in order to provoke discussions about alcoholism and addiction within diverse communities.
Rum and Vodka Highlights
Performance aboard Navy aircraft carrier
USS George Washington / 2016
Performance for Marine Helicopter One (HMX-1)
Marine Corps Headquarters, Quantico, VA / 2018
The Suppliants Project tells the timeless story of fifty female refugees seeking asylum at a border from forced marriage and domestic violence. The play not only depicts the struggle of these women to cross into safety, but also the internal struggle within the city that ultimately receives them. Using a 2,500-year-old tragedy by Aeschylus as a catalyst for powerful gatherings and crucial conversations, The Suppliants Project engages diverse audiences in humanizing, constructive dialogue about the challenges and impact of war, migration, and seeking asylum.
The Suppliants Project Highlights
The Suppliants Project: Ukraine
On Zoom / 2022
Watch the full recording of The Suppliants Project: Ukraine featuring performances by Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, David Strathairn, and our chorus of Ukrainians! This special event had an international audience from 62 countries.
The war in Ukraine through the lens of Ancient Greek tragedy
CNN / 2022
Amanpour and Company featured an interview with Bryan Doerries, David Strathairn, and Lyudmila Yaninka on CNN. They spoke with host Sara Snider about The Suppliants Project: Ukraine and the impact of this special collaboration. Learn about Lyudmila’s humanitarian aid work, and hear 12-year-old actor Kira Meshcherska speak from Kyiv about her experiences during the war. Watch the interview.
The Suppliants Project Trailer
2020
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Premiere procession of the Suppliants Project
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The premiere began with a procession of the chorus and Danaus, played by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the band, inclusive of drummers, turtle, and conch players.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams plays Danaus
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
David Zayas plays Pelasgus
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
War Dance
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Paula Castillo, distinguished Garifuna singer
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The Suppliants Chorus
Andrew Freedman Home
War Dance
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Dancers from the Audience
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Maria Guity dancing
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Tesa Arozqueta from the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
David Zayas as Pelasgus
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Conch player
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
Bill Camp plays the Messenger
Andrew Freedman Home / 2019
The Suppliants Theater of War Music Workshop
Bronx NY / 2019
The Suppliants Project Premiere
Valencia College, Orlando, FL / 2019
Souraya Ghalayini serves on the panel along side Liliana Alvarez, Sam Montione, and Jacqueline Miszuk at the premiere of The Suppliants Project.
The Suppliants Project Premiere
Valencia College, Orlando, FL / 2019
Liliana Alvarez serves on the panel of The Suppliants Project.
The Suppliants Project Premiere
Valencia College, Orlando, FL / 2019
Obi Abili performs in The Suppliants Project premiere
The Oedipus at Colonus Project presents readings of scenes from Sophocles’ final play, Oedipus at Colonus, as catalyst for powerful, community-driven conversations about homelessness, the immigration and refugee crisis, and the challenges of eldercare during and after the pandemic.
Commissioned by BRIC, The Drum Major Instinct engages audiences in dialogue about racism, inequality, and social justice. The performance features a dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final sermon, embodied by prominent actors and supported by a large gospel choir, composed of singers, activists, police officers, and musicians from St. Louis, MO, and Brooklyn, NY.
The Drum Major Instinct Highlights
"Be Steadfast" Antigone in Ferguson Virtual Choir
2020
Theater of War Productions is honored to share this virtual offering, performed by the Antigone in Ferguson Choir, directed by composer Dr. Philip Woodmore, and led by John Leggette. The singers and musicians featured in this video include educators, students, activists, social workers, members of the faith community, and police officers from St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, Virginia; and New York City who have made the commitment to sing together in order to start powerful, uncomfortable, transformative discussions about systemic oppression.
The song, “Be Steadfast,” written by Dr. Philip Woodmore for the project The Drum Major Instinct, is a powerful call to action at the end of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sermon that serves as a collective response to King’s interrogation of racism, capitalism, militarism, white supremacy, and injustice. Dr. Edwina Moss, personal secretary and friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., responded to our project at a performance in Baltimore, Maryland in 2018, saying, "Be uncomfortable. It's all right to be uncomfortable. But if we're on this planet, and if we don't open the conversation, we will perish on this planet.”
We offer “Be Steadfast” for interpretation and discussion, with the hope that it will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable
Audience member speaks at The Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
John Leggette sings in The Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
Samira Wiley performs the Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
Audience members listen during The Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2014
De-Andrea Blaylock-Johnson co-facilitates The Drum Major Instinct discussion
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
The crowd at the The Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
De-Rance Blaylock sings in The Drum Major Instinct
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2018
Production born of Martin Luther King Jr.’s words seeks to spark conversation about racism
St. Louis Public Radio / 2017
Samira Wiley Reenacts MLK Speech, Defends Art As A Form Of Resistance
BRIC / 2017
The Huffington Post reports on the Premiere of The Drum Major Instinct. Read the article.
A Timely Performance of MLK’s Final Sermon Takes Viewers to Church
BRIC / 2017
Council-member Jumaane Williams performs in the premiere of The Drum Major Instinct at BRIC. Read the article.
Frederick 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.
A conversation with Gwen Carr—mother of Eric Garner, author of This Stops Today—and Valerie Bell—mother of Sean Bell, author of Just 23—about their tireless work as Mothers of the Movement to end police violence.
Mothers of The Movement: October 15th
A conversation with Gwen Carr and Valerie Bell about their tireless work as Mothers of the Movement.
On Zoom / 2020
Watch the full event from October 15th.
Tape has been developed as a sexual assault awareness and prevention training program that uses dramatic readings of Stephen Belber’s 1999 play to ignite powerful discussions about consent, sexual assault, rape, and power dynamics.
Tape Highlights
The Perception of Tape
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait / 2014
Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams thanks soldiers, civilians and actors for participating in Tape
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait / 2014
NYC Go Purple Day
On Zoom / 2021
Tracie Thoms, David Denman, and Nyasha Hatendi star in TAPE, presented with our partners at the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, who hosted and co-facilitated this event in honor of NYC Go Purple Day. On “NYC Go Purple Day” (October 21st) local buildings and landmarks across the city light up in purple, and New Yorkers are encouraged to wear purple to show support for survivors.
Drawing from an ancient Greek tragedy about a vicious act of violence committed by an angry man with an invincible weapon, this project aims to generate powerful dialogue between concerned citizens, members of the law enforcement community, victims and perpetrators of gun violence, and the general public.
Hercules Highlights
In Brooklyn, Hercules’ Battles Inspire Talk on Gun Violence
The New York Times / 2016
Hercules Trailer
Damien Scott from the Red Hook Community Justice Center speaks at Hercules in Red Hook
Columbia Street, Red Hook Houses West / 2018
The crowd at the premiere of Hercules in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2016
In Brooklyn, Hercules’ Battles Inspire Talk on Gun Violence
The New York Times / 2016
Audience member speaks at Hercules in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2016
Dominic Dupont facilitates discusison at Hercules in Red Hook
Columbia Street, Red Hook Houses West / 2016
Ashanti, who originated the role of the Chorus, in Hercules in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2016
Paul Giamatti joins NYC table read for dialogue on gun violence
Van Dyke Houses, Brownsville Brooklyn / 2017
NY1 reports on Hercules in Brownsville
Audience Member speaks at Hercules in Red Hook
Columbia Street, Red Hook Houses West / 2018