“Theater of War: Hector, Andromache, and the Death of Astyanax” features live dramatic readings of classic plays by actors including David Denman (“The Office,” “Mare of Easttown”), Nyasha Hatendi (“Swan Song,” “Hunters”), and award-winning playwright Ellen McLaughlin (“Angels in America,” “King Lear”), and more. They will be joined on stage by Cal Poly Humboldt faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds whose lives have been impacted by war.
The performance, which includes dramatic readings from Homer’s “Iliad Book VI,” and scenes from Euripides' The “Trojan Women,” is intended to frame a powerful and open dialogue about the cost of war on civilians.
“The performance uses classic texts to inspire dialogue about contemporary issues, and to broaden people’s understanding of the impacts of war, historically and today,” says the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Dean and historian Jeff Crane.
Crane will join other members of the Cal Poly Humboldt community onstage, including Liz Whitchurch (Facilities Management), Tom Lukins (Information Security), Jocelyne Takatsuno (Sponsored Programs Foundation), Jeremy Webb (Theatre Arts), Jarrett Whitlow (Geology student), Kianna Znika (Journalism & Mass Communication alumna), Jasmine Jolly (Education student), Brandon Robers (Politics student), and Stone Vu (Religious Studies student).
"Over the past 17 years, we’ve presented Theater of War all over the world in a wide variety of settings—hospitals, military bases, prisons, homeless shelters, universities, housing projects, public squares, and more,” says Bryan Doerries, Artistic Director of Theater of War. “Everywhere we’ve gone, we have heard the most powerful and life-changing things spoken about the Greek tragedies we perform by individuals and communities that have experienced conflict, struggle, betrayal, and loss. These ancient plays have the capacity to create brave spaces for authentic connection and community dialogue that is absolutely vital today.” —
A moderated discussion involving actors and members of the audience will follow the performances.
The event is co-sponsored by President Michael Spagna, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The College is also responsible for organizing the performance.
Founded in 2009 by Bryan Doerries and Phyllis Kaufman, Theater of War Productions works with leading actors to present theater-based projects that address community-specific public health and social issues. Since its founding, the productions have reached more than 500,000 people in over 100 countries.
The performance will be held at the Van Duzer Theatre at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Seats are on a first come first served basis. The event is open to the general public and registration is required. Register at towcalpolyhumboldt.eventbrite.com.