Invitation Only
Theater of War: Hector, Andromache, and the Death of Astyanax at Villanova
Translated, directed, and facilitated Bryan Doerries
This event has ended.
View upcoming events.
Theater of War: Hector, Andromache, and the Death of Astyanax presents live, dramatic readings of selections from Homer’s Iliad, Book VI and scenes from The Trojan Women by Euripides—featuring acclaimed actors and a Chorus of Villanova students, from a variety of backgrounds, whose lives have been impacted by war—to help frame powerful, healing dialogue about the human cost of war, centered on the suffering of children and civilians.
Featuring performances by Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Lois Smith (East of Eden, The French Dispatch), Josh Hamilton (Eighth Grade, The Walking Dead), and Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager, Theater of War Productions).
Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and Villanova University.
About the play
-
The Trojan Women by Euripides
The selected scenes from Euripides’ Trojan Women take place at the end of the Trojan War, after Hector has been slain and Troy has been destroyed. Andromache and her son Astyanax are led through the ruins of the city on a wagon with Hector’s helmet and amour piled next to them. Andromache is being taken away by Achilles’ son Neoptolemus to live as his concubine and slave. The women of Troy, who have all lost their husbands in battle, mourn Andromache’s fate, as well as their own. Suddenly, a herald arrives and announces that the Greek army has decided to execute Astyanax by throwing him off the Trojan towers to prevent him from one day avenging his father’s death. Andromache says goodbye to her son before he is taken away and executed by Odysseus and she is taken from Troy on Neoptolemus’ ship. In the final scene, Astyanax’ body is brought to his grandmother Hecuba, the Queen of Troy, and the play ends with a funeral procession in which Astyanax is buried on his father’s shield while the remains of Troy are burned to ashes.
Cast Members
-
Lois Smith
-
Chad Coleman
-
Josh Hamilton
-
Marjolaine Goldsmith
Event Partner
Explore Projects
-
HomelessnessThe Oedipus at Colonus ProjectThe Oedipus at Colonus Project presents readings of scenes from Sophocles’ final play, Oedipus at Colonus, as catalyst for powerful, community-driven conversations about homelessness, the immigration and refugee crisis, and the challenges of eldercare during and after the pandemic.
-
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.
-
Pandemic & Climate CrisisPoetry for the PandemicUsing poetry as a catalyst for an Intergenerational performance and discussion during the Covid-19 pandemic.