Theater of War Begins Reading Series at Woolly Mammoth, 9/28

Theater of War Productions, a social impact company that presents readings of ancient Greek plays will host its first public performance at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington D.C. on September 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Theater of War, which serves as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the psychological challenges faced by service members, veterans and their families, received a two-year $250,000 grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in 2009, through a partnership with the United Services Organization (USO), and is expanding its signature program, "Theater of War," to regional theaters and universities across the United States.

Theater of War Productions has presented more than 100 performances of Sophocles' Ajax and Philoctetes at military sites throughout the United States and Europe under a contract from the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). Nearly 20,000 service members, veterans, and their families have attended and participated in Theater of War performances and discussions to date.

The grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation enables Theater of War Productions to partner with regional theater companies and universities to stage performances of Sophocles' plays for mixed military-civilian audiences, followed by town hall discussions of the impact of war upon individuals, families, and communities. The regional theater/university partners confirmed include: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (Washington, D.C.); the American Repertory Theater (Cambridge, MA);
Theater Emory/Rollins School of Public Health (Atlanta, GA); and, the American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco, CA).

"Theater of War has provided a powerful opportunity for dialogue within diverse military communities, promoting hope, help, and healing," said Bryan Doerries, Artistic Director
of Theater of War Productions. "However, we firmly believe that in order for true healing to begin, civilians must also participate in the dialogue inspired by Theater of War. In order to destroy the stigma associated with psychological injury, we must bridge the ever- widening gap between civilian and military cultures within this country."

"We're thrilled that the Stavros Niarchos Foundation recognizes the value of expanding these readings to new audiences," said Phyllis Kaufman, Producing Director of Theater of War Productions. "This grant enables us to work with a remarkable group of theatrical partners--from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA--who are all committed to cultivating new audiences and to using theater as a tool for social transformation."

"The efforts of Theater of War Productions to address the anxiety of soldiers about war and their traumatic experiences, and to initiate a dialogue between civilians and the military through the readings of ancient Greek plays, will lead to significant contributions," said the Board of Directors of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to expand the commitment to the project by bringing the dramatic readings to many more locations throughout the United States."

Theater of War (www.theater-of-war.com and http://www.facebook.com/TheaterOfWar) is an innovative, participatory event that is intended to increase awareness of post- deployment psychological health issues, disseminate information regarding available resources, and foster greater family and troop resilience. Theater of War uses readings of Sophocles' Ajax and Philoctetes to create a safe space for discussions between service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers. These ancient Greek plays depict the seen and unseen wounds of war and have something relevant and universal to say to service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers. Based on the success of the project, Theater of War Productions was awarded a contract by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to present 100 performances for military audiences in the United States and Europe in 2009/10.

 

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