The Trojan Women at Vassar College

The Trojan Women is one of the most powerful dramas in all of literature. Widely considered the greatest anti-war play ever written, it remains both timeless and timely, a poignant meditation on the aftermath of battle. This version, ideal for one-act festivals, has won numerous awards. The play centers on Hecuba, the fallen queen of Troy, and her grief at the loss of her city and her family at the conclusion of the Trojan War. Her daughter, Cassandra, mourns the loss of her service as maiden priestess in the temple of Apollo and captivates the audience as the mysterious and frenzied priestess. She prophesies the future of Odysseus' long journey following the defeat of Troy and promises revenge in her hated marriage to Agamemnon. Andromache, Hecuba's daughter-in-law, offers a heart-rending scene as she shares with all the death of her son. Finally the beautiful, but much detested, Helen of Troy begs her wronged husband, Menelaus, to spare her life. Through dance and (optional) original music, the Greek chorus mirrors the sorrow of the loss of Troy. The Trojan Women is a wonderful complement to the study of classic literature, mythology, history and theater.

Authors

• Euripides
• Jean Prodomides
• Jean Prodromides
• Lehman Engel