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 Heighlights
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
-
CorrectionsPrometheus in PrisonPrometheus 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.
-
Racism & Social JusticeThe Drum Major InstinctCommissioned 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.
-
Caregiving & DeathEnd of LifeEnd 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.