Open to Public
Theater of War: Four Freedoms Park
Free Event
Please RSVP through the link provided. The event Zoom link will be distributed via email, and available to registered attendees starting 2 days prior to the event.
Wed, Sep 27.2023
Virtual Event
Theater of War is a groundbreaking public health project that presents acclaimed actors performing scenes from Sophocles’ Ajax—an ancient play about the suicide of a great, respected warrior—as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about the visible and invisible wounds of war, and the impact of deployment on individuals, families, and communities. Using Sophocles’ play to forge a common vocabulary for open dialogue, these events are aimed at generating compassion and understanding between diverse audiences. Each performance is followed by community panelist remarks and a facilitated audience discussion.
Featuring performances by Ato Blankson-Wood (When They See Us), Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Fleishman is in Trouble), Amy Ryan (Only Murders in the Building, The Office), Bill Camp (Lincoln, Dark Waters), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager Theater of War Productions) Eduardo Jany (US Army Veteran, Col USMC (Ret.)), Latoya Lucas (Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient), and Craig Manbauman (Nurse, Poet, US Air Force Veteran).
Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and FDR Four Freedoms State Park Conservancy. Supported by News Corp and Fox.
Support for our digital programming is provided in part by The Mellon Foundation.
This event will be captioned in English.
This hybrid presentation of Theater of War will take place in person and on Zoom Webinar. Please select your preferred mode of attendance by clicking the "get tickets" button. To register to attend in-person, please select "in-person" tickets. If you choose to join us online, this event can be accessed on personal devices. The event Zoom link will be distributed via email and available to registered attendees starting two days prior to the event.
All of Theater of War Productions' events follow the same format:
- The performers will read the text.
- Community panelists will kick off the discussion with their gut responses to what resonated with them across time.
- We will open the discussion to the audience, facilitated by Bryan Doerries. To participate in the discussion online, please raise your hand using the button at the bottom center of the screen. If called upon, please accept the invitation to be promoted to speak and you will be visible and heard by the entire audience for the duration of your comments. If you would prefer not to be seen, please disable your video.
About the play
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Ajax by Sophocles
Sophocles’ Ajax tells the story of a fierce warrior who is passed over for recognition by his command after losing his cousin Achilles in battle during the Trojan War. Feeling betrayed, Ajax attempts to murder his superior officers, fails, and—ultimately—takes his own life. The play tells the story of the events leading up to Ajax’ suicide, as well as the story of his wife and troops’ attempt to intervene before it's too late. The play also depicts the devastating impact of Ajax’ suicide upon his wife, son, brother, troops, and chain of command.
Cast Members
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Ato Blankson Wood
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Amy Ryan
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Bill Camp
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Jesse Eisenberg
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Marjolaine Goldsmith
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Craig Manbauman
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Latoya Lucas
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Eduardo Jany
Explore Projects
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Caregiving & DeathThe Susie King Taylor ProjectA dramatic reading of Susie King Taylor's memoir to help frame powerful, guided discussions about challenges faced by Nurses and Veterans.
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GenocideThe InvestigationTheater 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.
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Addiction & Substance AbuseAddiction Performance ProjectDesigned to raise awareness about opiate addiction and alcohol abuse, the project is intended to promote dialogue about helping those who are struggling with addiction.