Elon University’s Department of Performing Arts’ production of Trojan Barbie retells Euripides’ Trojan Women in a timely and prescient story.
After a near-sold out opening week, the Elon community has another opportunity to see the Winter Production of "Trojan Barbie" at the start of Spring Term.
This feminist re-imagining of Euripides’ classic anti-war play "Trojan Women" penned by contemporary playwright Christine Evans features the melding of mythic and modern worlds through tragedy, comedy, dance and Barbie dolls. With direction by Assistant Professor Kim Shively and dramaturgy by Assistant Professor Susanne Shawyer (the creative team from last season’s domestic comedy, "Moment" by Deirdre Kinahan), "Trojan Barbie" explores the effects of war on the weakest and most vulnerable victims: the women and children.
Troy has fallen and all of its men killed in battle, while the women and few surviving children must grapple with their unknown futures. Hecuba, the queen of the Trojans, and her daughters and attendants await their fate. Meanwhile, Lotte Jones, the owner of a London doll hospital, seeks adventure on a singles-tour to modern-day Turkey. The past and future collide, as Lotte finds herself among Euripides’ women in a refugee camp. A chance meeting with the wife of Troy’s most famous fallen hero, a misalliance with Helen of Troy, and the dangers of war take this modern protagonist behind the fence and into a world rarely seen by those of us fortunate not to experience war.
Elon University’s production of "Trojan Barbie" brings a modern twist to the classical chorus and weaves dance and rhythm into this modern adaptation, certain to thrill those with a passion for the classics and engage those just discovering the dramatic power of Greek mythology. The production features the exceptional talents of students from the BFA Acting, Dance and Music Theatre programs, as well as the Theatrical Design and Technology and the Drama Theatre Studies BA programs, including choreography from Senior Dance student Rachel Linsky, and sound and projection design by sophomore Theatre Design and Technology student Sydney Dye.
The creative team also includes scenic design by Associate Professor Natalie Taylor Hart, costume design by Associate Professor Jack Smith, and lighting design by Professor Bill Webb.
Performance in the Roberts Studio Theatre are scheduled for :
Feb. 5-8 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.
*House opens 15 minutes prior to curtain.
Ticket reservations at elonperformingarts.com
*Production contains adult subject matter not suitable for audience members under 13.