At the University of Dallas, one is privileged to read a variety of Greek epic and tragedy as well as discuss it in depth. However, there is nothing quite like experiencing a play in action and in person, because it allows the emotions of pity and fear to radiate among the audience, creating an atmosphere you can’t get anywhere else.
This connection of tragedy is something that the Greek playwrights understood from the beginning and was of huge importance when releasing their work to a public audience. It was what allowed their work to survive.
“The Trojan Women” is the third and only surviving play in a trilogy by Euripides. It tells the story of the fate of Troy’s women and children at the hands of the Greeks after the fall of Troy. The air about this tragedy is very heavy as it deals with the themes of grief, pain and anger.
A tragedy of this magnitude and depth requires very skilled actors to pull it off. The University of Dallas Drama Department put an incredible amount of work into this production, and it has certainly paid off.
From the striking set, to the intense color palate, to the voice inflection intoning limitless grief and pain, to the connection of each and every member of the cast–this play is a most vibrant tragedy.
The cast consists of Sienna Abbott, Mary Carlin, David Semga, Amanda Wolfe, Braden Barber, Allison Peterman, Ben Thomas, Lucy Gallagher, Heidi Burke, Nora Eulie, Madison Conly, Jude Self, Christian Marin and Johannes Carrillo. In addition to the cast there are countless individuals who made this production a reality.
When I went to watch this production I was personally moved by the ways in which the cast conveyed their grief. The movements, both small and large, the tone of voice, the facial expressions… I was transported body and soul to the destroyed city of Troy, and felt as though I was there among the women as they lamented their fates. I wept with them.
In addition to the way the pain was portrayed, I also really enjoyed the bits and pieces of comic relief which were scattered throughout. Just like in the days of old, it was placed such that it allowed one to take a breath in the middle of the tension, relaxing for just a moment.
I encourage you (if you have not already) to go and see the play at the Drama building any evening at 8pm through Apr. 12. Be sure to bring tissues!