Open to Public
The Dionysus Project
Free Event
Wed, Jun 18.2025
The Dionysus Project presents readings of scenes from Euripides’ Bacchae—an ancient play about the destructive power of intoxication—as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about the impact of substance abuse and addiction upon individuals, families, and communities.
Featuring performances by Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Seth Gilliam (The Wire, The Walking Dead),Tate Donovan (The Holdovers, Hercules), and Marjolaine Goldsmith (Dress), and a chorus of local community members.
Co-Presented by Theater of War Productions, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Hennepin County, North Memorial Health, and the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.
About the play
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The Bacchae by Euripides
First produced in 405 BC, Euripides' Bacchae tells the ancient story of the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication, in Greece. When Dionysus comes to the city of Thebes, he liberates the people from their homes, sending the citizens - dancing and drinking - into the hills. A young king, named Pentheus, tries to subdue the revelry and restore order to his city, waging an all-out war against the god. But when Pentheus first tastes the drug that has ravaged his city, he too succumbs to its power and is murdered by his own mother, in a deranged state of intoxication.
Cast Members
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Chad Coleman
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Seth Gilliam
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Tate Donovan
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Marjolaine Goldsmith
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