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>*