In light of the political upheaval and the upcoming inauguration, Cal Shakes revisits The Oresteia by Ellen McLaughlin—a story of family, war, power, sacrifice, and our collective responsibility to disrupt the tragedies amongst us with mercy, compassion, and grace. Freely adapted from the Ancient Greek plays of Aeschylus comes this chronicle of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and their children—Iphigenia, Electra, and Orestes—and the tragic tale of the fall of the House of Atreus. Called “heart-stopping” by The Washington Post, The Oresteia was originally intended for Cal Shakes’ 2020 season and is presented here as a benefit reading directed by Artistic Director Eric Ting and featuring an outstanding cast lead by the venerable Margo Hall.
Featuring: Todd Cerveris, Shannon R. Davis, Safiya Fredericks, Margo Hall, Francesca Fernandez McKenzie, Cathleen Riddley, Stacy Ross, Sharon Shao, Liz Sklar, Victor Talmadge, Dane Troy, and Phil Wong.
A Q&A with playwright Ellen McLaughlin to follow.
Reserve your free ticket below. We planned to offer this reading as a paid ticketed event, but, in light of current events, it feels vital to us that we are all invited to participate in the civic discourse of our nation. Join us.
The Oresteia
by Ellen McLaughlin
freely adapted from Aeschylus
directed by Eric Ting
January 15, 5:30 PST
A benefit reading for Cal Shakes. Donations Suggested.
Watch
ASL Interpretation to be provided.
Cast List:
Margo Hall: Clytemnestra
Todd Cerveris: Agamemnon
Sharon Shao: Iphigenia/chorus
Liz Sklar: Cassandra/ chorus
Francesca Fernandez McKenzie: Electra/chorus
Dane Troy: Orestes
Chorus:
Shannon R. Davis
Safiya Fredericks
Cathleen Riddley
Stacy Ross
Victor Talmadge
Phil Wong
A few footnotes for those rusty on their ancient Greek texts.