Theatre@First Presents TROJAN WOMEN, Now thru 11/22

Theatre@First wraps up its 10th anniversary season with a triumphant production of Euripides' Trojan Women, at Unity Somerville, tonight, November 14-22. J. Deschene, who directed Lysistrata for Theatre@First in 2013, brings Edith Hamilton's elegant translation to life with a stellar cast.

Set in the shadow of the Trojan Horse, just days after the fall of their city, Trojan Women views war from the perspective of the women who pay its price. Waiting to be taken as slaves by their Greek conquerors are Hecuba the aging queen, Cassandra the mad prophetess, Andromache the widow of Troy's greatest hero, and the dangerously beautiful Helen of Troy herself.

The cast features audience favorites Leslie Drescher (previously seen in the title role of Lysistrata) as Helen and Kamela Dolinova (star of Unreliable Narrator's 2010: Our Hideous Future) as the goddess Athena. Theatre@First Artistic Director Elizabeth Hunter (best known for taking on the traditionally male role of Dysart in the 2011 production of Equus) returns to the stage as Hecuba, alongside exciting newcomers including Hannah Sharafian, who recently appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Plastic Rose and Dogs of War. The script was translated into English by Edith Hamilton, perhaps the greatest woman Classicist of the twentieth century. The New York Times celebrates Hamilton's "clear and brilliant focus...with Homeric power and simplicity".

This powerful and thought-provoking production offers clear insights into foreign policy and personal grief, drawing compelling portraits of some of history's most enduring female characters. Audiences will be caught up in the thrilling action of one of the founding stories of our civilization.

Since its founding in 2003, Theatre@First has produced more than thirty mainstage shows, as well as cabarets, Shakespeare slams, and a popular series of staged readings. A vital part of the thriving Somerville arts scene, Theatre@First draws on the talent and support of individuals and organizations throughout our community to provide affordable, quality theatre in a variety of local venues.

For tickets and more information about Trojan Women and Theatre@First, visit www.theatreatfirst.org.