[NEohioPAL] ASHLAND'S TROJAN WOMEN Examines the Strength of Women

[Tricia Applegate]

Ashland University Theatre presents

THE TROJAN WOMEN
Euripides' classic Greek drama | translated by Richmond Lattimore
directed by Robert Sean Parker

November 8-11 at 7:30 p.m.
November 12 at 2 p.m. | Studio Theatre
*Opening Reception: *Wednesday, Nov. 8 immediately following performance
Ashland University Department of Theatre continues the 2017-2018 season
with Euripides' classic Greek drama *The Trojan Women *with translation by
Richmond Lattimore. Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Robert Sean
Parker, audiences are advised that seating is limited and advance purchase
of tickets is recommended.

Euripides wrote this play addressing what happened to the Trojan women
whose husbands, fathers and sons were killed by the Greeks during the
Trojan war. In this timeless story about the victims of war, this story
examines the tragic fates of these women who were taken from their land and
were used as slaves or concubines.

Director Parker explains in his director's notes, "These women are beacons
for us all...Euripides presented important issues and represented women
victimized by patriarchy. They were defiant, and although provoked by male
abuse, took action and believed in hope...The Trojan Women are a symbol of
strength. They are not victims but survivors who should be respected. They
are a fortress that is incombustible. These women oppose patriarchal order
and strive for equality, respect, and control of their own bodies."

With the theatre season's theme of "Building Bridges," AU Theatre is
striving to provide opportunities to better understand ourselves and others
with performances that encourage dialogue about challenges in our world
today. Parker connects the year-long schedule of programs presented by the
College of Arts & Sciences' Symposium Against Indifference with *The Trojan
Women* production by saying, "Let’s build bridges through dialogue and have *No
More Enemies*. Open our hearts with *Interfaith  Dialogue*. Find *Strength
Through Connection*. Find inspiration in helping and nurturing a desire to
help others with our *Voices Inside*. Let’s get *Filtered Through Networks* and
know what’s important."

The Trojan women are led by Hecuba, the Queen of Troy, played by Kathleen
Thompson Parker (Ashland); Hecuba's daughter, Kassandra, played by Ivey
Buffenmyer (Ashland); her daughter-in-law, Andromache, played by Gabriella
Carr (Pickerington); along with Holly Fongheiser (Wadsworth), Chelle Hannah
Frye (Danville), AnnMarie Hill (Mansfield), Emily Schordock (Westlake),
Naomi Sims (Grapevine, Texas) and Alyssa Srail (Medina) as the chorus of
captive Trojan women. Community member Jace Rickard plays Andromache's son,
Astyanax.

The Greek Gods Poseidon and Athene are portrayed by Nik Demers (Shelby) and
Mia Kardotzke (Clyde) while Greek leaders include King Menelaso of Sparta
played by Will Taylor (Fairborn); his wife, Helen of Troy, played by Macy
Campbell (Geno a); and Talthybios, the herald, played by Zack Hamilton
(Canal Winchester). Rounding out the cast are the Greek soldiers played by
Eric Breeden (Medina), Ethan Tingler (Roseville) and Dave Tomlinson
(Northfield).

AU Theatre is proud to host alumnus D. Justin Bilewicz, III, (2009) as the
show's guest costume designer. With a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in
Costume Design, Justin’s theatrical credits extend across Northeast Ohio,
working as a costume designer for community and academic theatre in
Amherst, Cleveland, Lorain, Shaker Heights, Case Western Reserve
University, and Westlake. He is also the costume shop supervisor for
Ashland University. Justin's costume design credits include *Mothers and
Sons *(Beck Center for the Arts), *Carrie, the Musical *(Sandstone Summer
Theatre), *Waiting For Lefty *(Case Western Reserve University), *The 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee *(Fine Arts Association), *Willy
Wonka *(French
Creek Theatre), *Sister Act *(Sandstone Summer Theatre), and *Parade* (French
Creek Theatre). Justin will be designing French Creek Theatre’s production
of *Annie* this upcoming Holiday Season.

Other production designers include AU Theatre Technical Director J. Michael
Desper as the scenic designer with junior musical theatre major Maya
Rickard (Wooster) as the associate scenic designer; Parker as the sound
designer with support from Ingrid Schmidt (Mansfield) as assistant
designer, and a joint lighting design by the lighting design class.

Patricia E. Lanious is the show's production manager with senior theatre
majors Seth Morrison (Millersburg) and Megan Harvey (Medina) as the
technical/lighting director and stage manager/dramaturg, respectively.
Buffenmyer and Demers are the assistant stage managers; and alumnus Dusten
Welch (2007), the fight choreographer;

As arranged by Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor society, patrons
attending the performances are asked to bring donations of house cleaning
and kitchen supplies, pillows and kid-friendly snacks which will be given
to the Safe Haven Domestic Violence Shelter
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AshlandUniversityMus/862e9908f8/1af00b4fad/a49140bee9>.
Cash donations will also be accepted. In conjunction with the performances,
the theatre will also host Safe Haven's silhouettes exhibit representing
Ashland County women who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

*Ashland University Box Office:*
419-289-5125 <(419)%20289-5125> (Noon-6 p.m., Monday-Friday)
Online at www.ashland.edu/tickets
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AshlandUniversityMus/862e9908f8/1af00b4fad/0f611a69c2/t=tix&e=55f3a98f3843d083f4cd72b334d237db>
 (additional fees apply)

*Single Tickets
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AshlandUniversityMus/862e9908f8/1af00b4fad/c9dc51a830/t=tix&e=55f3a98f3843d083f4cd72b334d237db>:*
$12
Adults
  $10 Senior Citizens, AU Alumni & Faculty/Staff
  $8 Groups of 10 or more*
  $5 Non-AU Students*
  $2 Ashland University Students w/ ID*
**For REDUCED TICKETS: AU STUDENT ($2), CHILDREN ($5), GROUP of 10 or more
($8)Call Box Office, 419.289.5125 <(419)%20289-5125>*
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