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Theater of War: The Death of Heracles
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Sat, Nov 22.2025
Theater of War: The Death of Heracles presents acclaimed actors performing dramatic readings of scenes from Sophocles’ Women of Trachis—an ancient play about the death of the strongest of all Greek heroes—as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about moral injury, witnessing suffering, the spiritual dimensions of caregiving, and the mortality we all share.
Featuring performances by David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck.), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Dress), and Bryan Doerries (Artistic Director, Theater of War Productions).
Presented by Theater of War Productions
This special performance in honor of Dr. Johnathan Shay is part of the AAR Moral Injury Program Unit.
Directed, translated and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
About the play
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Women of Trachis by Sophocles
Sophocles’ Women of Trachis, tells the story of Heracles—the strongest of all Greek heroes—who has been unintentionally poisoned by his wife, Deineira, after she discovers that he has fallen in love with a younger woman. In an attempt to win back her husband’s affection mistakes a lethal toxin, which was given to her by a dying centaur years ago for a love potion. Deineira sends him a robe dipped in the liquid. When Heracles puts on the robe it immediately eats through his skin, muscle tissue, down through his bones to the marrow. Heracles falls to the ground, clutching his sides, crying out in pain, calling for his teenage son, Hyllus, to come to his aid and to help him put an end to the seemingly endless waves of pain.
Cast Members
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David Strathairn
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Marjolaine Goldsmith
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