University of Tasmania, Australia

These Women Won’t Be Slaves In Anyone’s Kitchen.  

Troy has fallen. Its men are all slain. All that is left of a once great civilization is its women - grieving, broken and frightened - and soon they too will be gone, enslaved by the conquering Greeks.  

The Trojan Women, presented by the University of Tasmania’s Second Year Bachelor of Contemporary Arts students, follows the story of these final survivors. Performed at the Annexe Theatre from the 8th – 11th May, it provides an insight on the consequence of war and bloodshed on the survivors.  

Director Robert Lewis aims to reinvent this classic Greek tragedy by Euripides, using a more modern reinterpretation by Jean-Paul Sartre of the 2000 year old text.

“The language may have been altered, but the story has always been universal to humanity.” He says. “We’ve aimed to make it a modern and poignantly relevant interpretation of Euripides’ script. The students have pulled together as a team to really make it happen, working both onstage and in technical roles.”  

“The juxtaposition of modern and classical factors in costuming, set and text really makes this feel like something that could happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.” Says Isabelle Allen, who plays the role of Helen. “The play explores traits of humanity that are constant- cruelty, insecurity and strength against incredible odds. Hope.”  

The audience is taken on a desperate and compelling journey of decision and desperation as the women’s fate grows nearer and more dreadful. What does it mean to be so helpless? How do human beings really treat each other when the horrors of conflict begin to wane? And is it preferable to survive under such cruel circumstance? All these questions, and more, are raised in this tragic and exciting story of The Trojan Women.  

Adults $15 | Concession/UTAS Staff Member $10 | Students: $10 Door sales available one hour prior to any performance