Get to know the topics we address and the communities we’ve reached over the years.
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
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
Addressing the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities, the Domestic Violence Project premiered in Maine in April 2013 and will be touring all five boroughs of New York City under the current PAIR residency.
Highlights
A Streetcar Named Desire: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence
Bangor Maine / 2013
The Domestic Violence Project was featured on bangordailynews.com
Medea timelessly depicts how scorned passion can lead to revenge and, sometimes, unthinkable violence. This project, which premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in June 2016, delves into under-discussed mental health issues that affect women and their families.
Highlights
'Medea' tackles relationships, mental health
Staten Island Live / 2018
Medea in Staten Island was featured on silive.com
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
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.
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 of the current immigration crisis and its impact upon all that it touches.
Featuring a chorus of Garifuna singers, musicians, and performers from Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala
The Suppliants Project Highlights
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
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 race 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
"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!
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
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
Jeffery Wright, who originated the role of Hercules, speaks at Hercules in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza / 2016
NYPD Inspector Rafael Mascol, Commander of the 73rd Precinct, who played Hercules and Paul Giamatti, who played Theseus
Van Dyke Houses, Brownsville, Brooklyn / 2017
Tiffany Murray of Save our Streets, Crown Heights, facilitates Hercules in Brownsville discussion
Van Dyke Houses, Brownsville, Brooklyn / 2017
Hercules in Manhattan
The Greene Space WNYC & WQXR / 2018
Actors perform anti-violence play, open dialogue about social climate
Louis H. Pink Houses / 2017
News 12 reports on Hercules in East New York at the Pink Houses. Watch the news segment.
Anti-violence summit talks racial, political divisions on Staten Island
SILive.com / 2018
SILIVE reports on Hercules in Staten Island. Read the article.
Paul Giamatti, Chinasa Ogbuagu, Jumaane Williams to Perform in Anti-Gun Violence Play
Van Dyke Houses, Brownsville Brooklyn / 2017
BK reader reports on Hercules in Brownsville. Read the article.
Theater Of War Drives Discussion About Violence
Arverne Queens / 2017
The Rockaway Wave reports on Hercules in Arverne. Read the article.
‘Hercules in the Bayview’ prompts tearful, earnest discussion
Hercules in the Bayview / 2017
The San Francisco Chronicle reports on Hercules in The Bayview. Read the article.
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
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
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".
Theater of War for Frontline Medical Providers 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 providers 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 other healthcare providers 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: Using Greek Tragedy To Help Frontline Medical Workers Cope During Covid-19
Forbes / 2020
Read the feature about Theater of War for Frontline Medical Providers 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 Medical Providers
2020
Panel in Theater of War for Frontline Medical Providers 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 for Frontline Medical Providers 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.
Developed with New York University’s Forum on Law, Culture, & Society, and designed as a professional development program for legal professionals, as well as for the general public, Theater of Law drives conversations about moral justice in the court system. The project is aimed at engaging audiences who have in some way been disenfranchised by the law in constructive, powerful dialogue.
Theater of Law Highlights
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance responds to Theater of Law
New York County Criminal Court / 2017
Manhattan’s District Attorney vs. Aeschylus
Manhattan court room / 2017
Ato Essandoh as Orestes
The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR / 2018
Reg E. Cathey plays Apollo in Theater of Law
Schulte, Roth and Zabel / 2017
Ana Reeder as The Furies
Schulte, Roth and Zabel / 2017
Audience member responds to Theater of Law
New York County Criminal Court / 2017
Bryan Doerries facilitates Theater of Law discussion
New York County Criminal Court / 2017
Schulte Roth & Zabel Presents a New Co-Production Between Theater of War Productions and the Forum on Law, Culture & Society The Premiere of: Theater of Law
2017
Acts of Violence presents scenes from Seneca's Thyestes, a Roman tragedy that was written during the gruesome reign of Nero, as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the impact of political violence upon individuals, families, caregivers, health and human rights advocates, communities, and nations.
Developed in collaboration with PopTech, The Book of Job was created to promote healing dialogue within the community of Joplin, which was devastated by a tornado in May 2011. The project has since been presented all over the country and the world, from New York City (Hurricane Sandy), to Pascagoula, MS (10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina), to Japan (Fukushima)
Book of Job Highlights
A short documentary on the Book of Job in Joplin, MO
Joplin, MO / 2012
Book of Job was first presented in Joplin, MO in 2012, on the anniversary of the the tornado that devastated the Joplin community.
Telling Story of Job at Sandy-Ravaged Synagogue in Rockaways
Queens, NY / 2013
Theater of War Productions presented Book of Job in West End Temple in the Rockaways, marking the first time congregants stepped foot in the sanctuary after it was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. See article in The Forward.
Actors bring Book of Job to life for Joplin audiences
The Joplin Globe / 2012
The Book of Job as Community Theater Readings after Superstorm Sandy and other disasters
Public Seminar / 2014
You Are Not Alone Across Time: Using Sophocles to treat PTSD
Harpers Magazine / 2014
The Tohoku Project: Sumidagawa presents powerful dramatic readings by professional actors of Sumidagawa, a Noh play from the early 15th Century that timelessly depicts the unique challenges faced by parents in the wake of unimaginable disaster. Each reading is followed by the responses of community panelists, culminating in a lively, facilitated audience discussion. This interactive event promotes healthy, constructive dialogue about the lasting impact of the Tohoku disaster upon individuals, families, and communities—fostering compassion, understanding, awareness, and positive action.
Theater 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.
The Oedipus Project is an innovative new digital initiative by Theater of War Productions that will present acclaimed actors performing scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, healing online conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon diverse communities throughout the world. Sophocles’ ancient play, written and performed in 429 BC during the time of a plague that killed one-third of the Athenian population, is a timeless story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, and a pestilence that ravages the city of Thebes. At the time the play was first performed, the audience would have been reeling in the wake of a pestilence and its economic, political, and social aftermath. Seen through this lens Oedipus the King appears to have been a powerful public health tool for helping Athenians communalize the trauma of the plague, through a story that is as relevant now as it was in its own time.
Oedipus Project Highlights
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.
Upcoming Events
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Sunday, Sep 20, 2020
The Suppliants X DeBalie
The Suppliants Project
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Amsterdam-Centrum, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Our friends at DeBalie are presenting a Dutch version of The Suppliants Project with a Kurdish choir!
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Thursday, Sep 24, 2020
Lecture: "Tragedies for the Pandemic” —Bryan Doerries, Artistic Director, Theater of War Productions
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Virtual Event
In his lecture, Artistic Director and Kenyon alumnus Bryan Doerries (’98) will describe how he and his company have used ancient tragedies to empower thousands of people all over the world to engage in vital, democratic, pluralistic discussions about some of the most challenging issues of our time.
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Friday, Oct 02, 2020
Antigone in Ferguson
Antigone in Ferguson
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Virtual Event
Antigone in Ferguson fuses dramatic readings of Sophocles’ Antigone with live choral music performed by a diverse choir, culminating in powerful, healing discussions about racialized violence, police brutality, systemic oppression, gender-based violence, health inequality, and social justice.
Theater of War Statistics
