The Trojan Women

This version of Euripides’ The Trojan Women is an English translation of Jean-Paul Sartre's adaptation of the play. While remaining true to the original, Sartre makes the play more accessible to 21st century audiences. Students from Cameron Heights, Resurrection, Forest Heights, St. Mary's, Eastwood, Woodland Christian High School and several other schools are turning in strong performances. Joining them is Lost&Found’s Kathleen Sheehy, playing Queen Hecuba.

"Working with these young actors is galvanizing," says Sheehy. "They are full-out committed to the process of exploring their characters and the play's difficult themes. These actors are our next generation of theatre practitioners and I'd say the future is in good hands!"

Director Alan K. Sapp is excited about this venture. "Having Kathleen in the production provides an example to our student actors, of what it takes to craft a role the size of Hecuba. It is part of the mentoring process that is so vital to our education work with these students. I am also thrilled to have Brad Cook, whom I taught only a few short years ago at the University of Waterloo, as my movement specialist. Brad is drawing work out of these students that is nothing short of astonishing."

Written almost 2,500 years ago, The Trojan Women is soberingly current in its portrayal of the victims of war. Even today, in too many places around the globe, women and children endure similar suffering in the aftermath of devastating conflict. In this play, we see the different ways the women have of coping with tragedy and relating as victims to the victors.

Despair does not go unchallenged, as Hecuba declares: "However painful life is, it is better than death; it has hope!" and exhorts her followers to stand firm. This is a play that highlights the dignity and strength of character of women in dire circumstances.

The Trojan Women runs March 25 – April 3 at 8pm at The Registry Theatre (122 Frederick Street, downtown Kitchener). Tickets: $10 students, $15 adults, $5 eyeGo; available at the Centre In The Square box office (1.800.265.8977) or www.lostandfoundtheatre.ca.