Open to Public / Theater Company In Residence 2019
Hercules in Harlem
A free, outdoor, interactive performance featuring acclaimed actors reading scenes from an ancient play about an unspeakable act of violence, culminating in an audience discussion about the impact of violence upon individuals, families, and communities. Rain date is set for July 25th.
About the play
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Madness of Hercules by Euripides
When the Greek hero Hercules returns to Thebes and finds his home occupied by a local tyrant, he goes on a rampage with his invincible bow, killing the men who have invaded his house and taken his family hostage. But in the heat of the battle, Hercules enters into a berserk rage and kills everyone in sight, including his wife and two young children, with his powerful weapon, mistaking them for enemies. When he comes back to his senses and takes in the horror of what he has done, Hercules contemplates suicide, but his close friend and fellow war veteran Theseus, stays by his side and offers unconditional support, encouraging him to share the burden of what he has done with his community. At its core, Euripides’ Madness of Hercules asks profound questions about how we should respond to unthinkable violence—as citizens, family members, friends, and neighbors—and how we can all work together to stop violence from occurring in our communities, before it’s too late.
Cast Members
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Jumaane Williams
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Zach Grenier
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David Zayas
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Marjolaine Goldsmith
Event Partners
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