Theater of War is an innovative project that presents acclaimed actors and Veterans performing scenes from Sophocles’ Philoctetes—an ancient play about a young man who is sent to betray a decorated warrior who has been abandoned on a desolate island—as a catalyst for facilitated town hall discussions about healing the visible and invisible wounds of war. Using Sophocles’ play to forge a common vocabulary for open dialogue, these events are aimed at generating compassion, understanding, awareness, and connection. Each performance is followed by community panelist remarks and a guided audience discussion.
Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and Bravehound, a Scottish charity that supports former servicemen, women and their families by providing service dogs and training to Veterans.
Sophocles’ Philoctetes tells the story of a young man who is sent to betray a decorated warrior who has been abandoned on a desolate island by his own men because of a mysterious chronic illness. The Greeks learn from an oracle that in order to win the Trojan War they must rescue the warrior from the island and bring him to Troy. The young man is sent to the island and ordered to deceive the warrior, win his trust, and trick him into returning with him to Troy. But in the process of carrying out his orders, the young man discovers the true meaning of loyalty and risks everything to help his new friend. At its core, Sophocles’ Philoctetes is about how the wounded often become the most powerful healers.

Featuring performances by Willem Dafoe, Nyasha Hatendi, Jason Isaacs, Latoya Lucas (US Army Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient), Mick McConnell (Royal Air Force Police Veteran), Lorna McConnell (Royal Air Force Police Veteran), Shaun Johnson (Royal Artillery Veteran).

Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries. Produced by Marjolaine Goldsmith.

Support for our digital programming is provided, in part, by the Mellon Foundation.

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