About the project

The Suppliants Project
Dramatic Reading of The Suppliants, by Aeschylus
Translated and Directed by Bryan Doerries
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
About the play
-
The Suppliants by Aeschylus
In Aeschylus’ ancient play The Suppliants, fifty women who are fleeing forced marriages travel from Egypt to Argos in order to ask King Pelasgus for asylum. At first, Pelasgus refuses to help them, but the Argive people rally behind the women and convince their king to allow the refugees to remain under the city’s protection. When a large group of Egyptian men arrive in Argos, demanding their women back, King Pelasgus threatens them and summons his army to drive them away. The play ends with the women retreating to safety and finding asylum within the walls of Argos.
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
Explore Projects
-
Natural DisasterBook of Job
The Book of Job Project presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of The Book of Job as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon individuals, families, and communities. The Book of Job is an ancient Hebrew poem that timelessly explores how humans behave when faced with disaster, pestilence and injustice.
-
War & Mental HealthThe Tecmessa Project
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.
-
War & Mental HealthTheater of War
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.