Monday, July 30, 2012

Sophokles’ Elektra starts previews at Stratford

News Release

July 27, 2012…Elektra, the gripping Greek tragedy about a young woman’s determination to bring justice and vengeance down on those who murdered her father, started previews at the Tom Patterson Theatre on July 29. 

At the helm of the production is cutting-edge Athenian director Thomas Moschopoulos, one of Greece’s most internationally acclaimed theatre artists, and the creative mind behind the closing ceremonies’ artistic presentation at the 2004 summer Olympic Games in Athens.


“Thomas Moschopolous is an extraordinary director,” says Artistic Director Des McAnuff.  “I saw his production of Euripides’ Alceste at the ancient Epidaurus amphitheatre in Greece in 2010 and was blown away – so was the 14,000 seat audience, which consisted of mostly young people. His uniquely inspired vision attracts and thrills audiences of all ages. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what his limitless imagination has done with this powerful and tragic play.”

“It’s part of the Festival’s mission to produce work that spans the range of human endeavour and human writing. Producing this piece, which is one of the world’s greatest dramatic texts and is 2,400 years old, is a testament to that commitment,” says General Director Antoni Cimolino. “One of the original pieces of dramatic literature Elektra is still as compelling and riveting as it was all those centuries ago and is an important part of our 60th season celebration.”

Translated by Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson, who is known for her visceral translations of Greek theatre, the production features Yanna McIntosh as Elektra and Seana McKenna as Clytemestra, with Graham Abbey as Aigisthos, Laura Condlln as Chrysothemis, Peter Hutt as the Old Man, and Ian Lake as Orestes.

The artistic team for this production includes Designer Ellie Papageorgakopoulou, Lighting Designer Itai Erdal, Composer Kornilios Selamsis, Choreographer Amalia
Bennett
and Stunt Coordinator Todd Campbell.

“In ancient Athens, tragedy was not just entertainment; it was a public event,” says Mr. Moschopoulos. “It offered a kind of academy where people could hear – and reflect upon – discussions of issues that were important to the state. The Athenians saw tragedy as a social way of thinking, an instrument of philosophy. Today, Greek tragedies are often treated as if they were melodramas, offering clear-cut moral distinctions between right and wrong. But in tragedy we do not know what is right and wrong; that is the whole point. We are not told what to think; we are merely given hints to help us in our search for truth.”

Production support generously provided by the M.E.H Foundation.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 2012 season runs until October 28, featuring Much Ado About Nothing; 42nd Street, The Matchmaker; Henry V; You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Pirates of Penzance; A Word or Two; Cymbeline; Wanderlust; Elektra; The Best Brothers; Hirsch and The War of 1812. A 14th production, MacHomer, has concluded its run.


Cast (in alphabetical order)
Aigisthos................................................................................ Graham Abbey
Attendant to Clytemestra....................................................... Alden Adair
Chorus................................................................................... Sarah Afful
Understudy............................................................................ Ian D. Clark
Chorus/Swing......................................................................... Diana Coatsworth
Chrysothemis......................................................................... Laura Condlln
Chorus................................................................................... Jacquelyn French
Chorus................................................................................... Barbara Fulton
Attendant to Clytemestra....................................................... Brad Hodder
Old Man................................................................................. Peter Hutt
Orestes.................................................................................. Ian Lake
Chorus................................................................................... Monique Lund
Chorus................................................................................... Ayrin Mackie
Elektra................................................................................... Yanna McIntosh
Clytemestra........................................................................... Seana McKenna
Pylades.................................................................................. E.B. Smith
Chorus................................................................................... Tahirih Vejdani
Understudy............................................................................ Sophia Walker
Chorus................................................................................... Abigail Winter-Culliford
Attendant to Chrysothemis.................................................... Naomi Wright

Artistic team
Director.................................................................................. Thomas Moschopoulos
Designer................................................................................ Ellie Papageorgakopoulou
Lighting Designer.................................................................... Itai Erdal
Composer.............................................................................. Kornilios Selamsis
Choreographer....................................................................... Amalia Bennett
Stunt Coordinator................................................................... Todd Campbell
Assistant Director................................................................... Alan Dilworth
Assistant Choreographer........................................................ Diana Coatsworth
Stunt Captain......................................................................... Ian Lake
Assistant Set Designer............................................................ Jennifer Goodman
Assistant Costume Designer................................................... Kimberly Catton
Assistant Lighting Designer..................................................... Jennifer Lennon
Assistant Stunt Coordinator.................................................... Kevin Robiinson
Dance Captain........................................................................ Diana Coatsworth
Vocal Monitor........................................................................ Tahirih Vejdani
Stage Manager....................................................................... Janine Ralph
Assistant Stage Manager........................................................ Katherine Arcus
Assistant Stage Manager........................................................ Martine Beland
Production Assistant............................................................... Christopher Sibbald
Production Stage Manager..................................................... Anne Murphy
Technical Director................................................................... Sean Hirtle


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Andrea Smitko
Publicity Coordinator

Stratford Shakespeare Festival
55 Queen Street | PO Box 520 | Stratford ON
| N5A 6V2
Toll Free 1.800.561.1233 | Local 519.271.4040 x2410
Box Office: Toll Free 1.800.567.1600 | Local 519.273.1600

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