Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre Presents Euripides' THE BACCHAE, 10/12-10/20

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre will present Euripides' The Bacchae in a new translation from the ancient Greek, as part of Centaur Theatre's Brave New Looks from October 12 to October 20.

First performed in 405 BC after his death in exile, The Bacchae is Euripides' last play and greatest accomplishment. Dionysus, god of wine and revelry, has returned to Thebes where his mother's shrine burns eternally. He has come to avenge the slandering of his mother's reputation, and his only obstacle is the young law-and-order King, Pentheus, who refuses to believe Dionysus is a god and imprisons anyone who participates in his mysterious rites. A contest of wills ensues, developing into a psychosexual, metaphysical game of cat and mouse that ends in tragedy.

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre's production of The Bacchae is also inspired by the Second Great Awakening, a period in early 19th century American revivalism, where a violent effusion of religious fervour erupted in a field in Cane Ridge, Kentucky. For six days awe-struck locals witnessed groups of converts falling over, barking, and singing. The revival's legacy was the formation of the many North American Christianities (Mormons and Pentecostals) prevalent in Canada as well as the US.

Translators Joseph Shragge and Andreas Apergis are excited to offer this modern-English script, which closely resembles Euripides' original stark and powerful text. "So much of The Bacchae's appeal comes from its strange eroticism and apocalyptic beauty." says Shragge.

This dramatic work, directed by Andreas Apergis, features some of Montreal's top performers, including Alex McCooeye as Dionysus, Brett Watson as Pentheus, France Rolland as Agave as well as Hugo Dann, Karl Graboshas, Jessica Hill, Greg Kramer and Paul Van Dyck.

Brian Lipson's compositions draw from the American Hymnal tradition and will be brought to life by Scapegoat's musical director David Oppenheim, sung by Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Melissa Trottier, Gitanjali Jain and Delphine Bienvenue, and choreographed by Leslie Baker.

The Bacchae also features set design by Francis Farley, costume design by Susana Vera, lighting design by Erwann Bernard and sound design by Peter Cerone.

The Bacchae will play eight performances from October 12 to October 20 at Centaur Theatre (453 St François-Xavier, Metro Place D'Armes). Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8:30pm, Sunday, October 14 at 7:30pm, and Tuesday, October 16 at 1pm.

Regular tickets are $25; tickets for students, seniors, and Centaur subscribers are $18. Group tickets are available for $15. For reservations, call 514-288-3161 or visit www.scapegoatcarnivaletheatre.com.

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre was founded by actor/director Alison Darcy, playwright Joseph Shragge, and actor/stage manager Melanie St-Jacques. In 2007, the three were joined by actor/director Andreas Apergis and musical director David Oppenheim. Past productions include Life is a Dream (nominated for three MECCA awards), Hyena Subpoena, Medea (Winner MECCA award best production, best actor) and The Heretics of Bohemia.

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre is the resident company at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons. Projects in development include a new adaptation of Faust and Blind, a new play by Lindsay Wilson about the 'muti' killings of people with albinism in Tanzania.

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