Theater
A Female Philoctetes
A combat soldier is inflicted with an incurable and insufferable
injury. The soldier’s comrades cannot bear to hear the cries of
pain or the sight of the wound. They maroon the injured soldier and
sail away. The soldier is forgotten—that is, until 10 years later,
when they learn they cannot end the war without the help of the
wounded warrior.
Sophocles’ ancient play Philoctetes captures a reality
for all combat veterans who have been physically or mentally
wounded, exploring ethical dilemmas that are as dynamic and
relevant today as they were to the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Aquila
Theatre, a veteran of classical Greek theater, boldly takes on this
newest endeavor, reimagining the title role as a female combat
soldier.
Aquila Theatre’s presentation of A Female Philoctetes is
part of You|Stories, an innovative public program funded by the
National Endowment for the Humanities, which uses ancient drama to
inspire modern stories. An interactive You|Stories app and web
platform will allow the veteran community and the public to explore
these ancient stories and be inspired to tell their own. These new
narratives will be archived at the Library of Congress.
For details, visit aquilatheatre.com/home/ny-season.