A Female Philoctetes at BAM Fisher

A combat soldier is inflicted with an incurable and insufferable injury. The soldier’s comrades cannot bear to hear the cries of pain or the sight of the wound. They maroon the injured soldier and sail away. The soldier is forgotten—that is, until 10 years later, when they learn they cannot end the war without the help of the wounded warrior.

Sophocles’ ancient play Philoctetes captures a reality for all combat veterans who have been physically or mentally wounded, exploring ethical dilemmas that are as dynamic and relevant today as they were to the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Aquila Theatre, a veteran of classical Greek theater, boldly takes on this newest endeavor, reimagining the title role as a female combat soldier.

Aquila Theatre’s presentation of A Female Philoctetes is part of You|Stories, an innovative public program funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, which uses ancient drama to inspire modern stories. An interactive You|Stories app and web platform will allow the veteran community and the public to explore these ancient stories and be inspired to tell their own. These new narratives will be archived at the Library of Congress.