A poignant examination of how war affects the mind of a solider, Sophocles’s tragedy speaks directly to our times. Second only to Achilles in greatness and strength, the legendary Greek warrior Ajax struggles under the weight of psychological and physical injuries, trying to maintain his dignity, identity, and honor. Director Sarah Benson brings the voice of the community to this production, exploring the relationships between soldiers and civilians.
Ajax
February 12, 2011 - March 13, 2011
"A stellar production.... Putting a classic in modern dress to bring out the timelessness of the tragedy succeeds brilliantly."
— WBUR
Multimedia
Audiences love Ajax at the A.R.T.: "Brilliant." "The whole cast was incredible." "Fabulous." "One of the best, most pertinent productions I've seen at the A.R.T."
Director Sarah Benson on Ajax, which starts performances February 12. "The question really being asked is, can we change?"
"Clearheaded.... Tense, straightforward, and swift."
— The Boston Phoenix
"A fascinatingly theatrical experience that skillfully blends sound and vision."
— TAB Community Newspapers
"This production works literally out of the box to create an accessible portal to Greek tragedy demonstrating that what was thought and written then is relevant, poignant and provocative now."
— Berkshire Fine Arts
In the News
"Though the relevance of 'Ajax' to the current political climate is interesting, it’s the vulgar, boisterous, in-your-face divisiveness of war that gives this haunting production its substance." - Metro
"...it is not only a stellar production, but one that makes the Greek myths relevant to today’s world. You can’t do much better than this one." - wbur.org
"...kudos to the American Repertory Theater for realizing the uncanny relevance of this early work by the author of the Oedipus trilogy and presenting it in a clearheaded, colloquial translation by Charles Connaghan and a contemporary military setting steeped in blood and rather bloodless civic discussion." - The Boston Phoenix
"Benson has created a fascinatingly theatrical experience that skillfully blends sound and vision. Thanks to Benson’s clear-eyed vision, the core of the story that she wants to tell comes through loud and clear." -TAB COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
"What would this look like in a society as heterogonous, and as destabilized by radical societal changes, as ours is today? Sarah Benson investigates in her innovative and often deeply moving take on "Ajax," by Sophocles, in a brand new translation by Charles Connaghan." -Blast Magazine
"We first see Ajax mid-massacre, positively reveling in the bloodbath, and Benson pulls no punches, opening the nondescript mess hall to a scene of slaughterhouse gore." -TheaterMania
"In ‘Ajax’ at the A.R.T., Linda Powell plays an ancient role with modern repercussions..." - The Boston Globe
Press Releases
February 16, 2011
January 14, 2011
Creative Team
| CAST: | |
| Athena | Kaaron Briscoe* |
| Odysseus | Ron Cephas Jones* |
| Ajax | Brent Harris* |
| Chorus Leader | Remo Airaldi* |
| Tecmessa | Linda Powell* |
| Eurysaces | Mesafint Goldfeld |
| Messenger | Nick Crandall |
| Teucer | Nathan Darrow* |
| Menelaus | James Joseph O'Neil* |
| Agamemnon | Thomas Derrah* |
| STAFF: | |
| Set & Costume Design | David Zinn |
| Lighting Design | Justin Townsend |
| Sound Design | Matt Tierney |
| Video Design | Greg Emetaz |
| Casting | Stephen Kopel |
| Fight Consultant | Felix Ivanov |
| Stage Manager | Katie Ailinger* |
| Voice and Speech | Nancy Houfek |
| Assistant Director | Kathryn Kozlark |
| Dramaturgy | Laura Henry |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Ryan A. Anderson* |
| Assistant Dramaturg | Christina Farris |
| Stage Management Intern | Sarah Gasser |
| Undergraduate Observers | Isabel Carey |
| Ilinca Radulian |
Non-Required Reading
A welcome note from Artistic Director Diane Paulus.
A note from Ajax Director Sarah Benson.
Laura Henry discusses the history and myth behind Ajax.
Ajax Director Sarah Benson on her style.
Laura Henry interviews Ajax director Sarah Benson and translator Charles Connaghan.
Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions Bryan Doerries on Theater of War.
Downloads
Sponsors
PRODUCTION SPONSORS: Philip and Hilary Burling; Lis Tarlow and Stephen Kay
Runtime:
90 minutes
Need to know:
Special event:
On Monday, February 28 and Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m., the A.R.T. in Cambridge is partnering with Theater of War Productions to present two free, public presentations of Theater of War. Learn more>>
Single tickets on sale to members: 12/28/10.
On sale to the public: 1/11/11.
Discussions:
Pre-performance discussions at 6:30 p.m. on:
Thursday 2/17
Wednesday 2/23
Sunday 2/27
Post-performance discussions after every Saturday matinee:
2/19
2/26
3/5
3/12
Extras:
20% off on the day of the show
