Trojan Women
Adapted by Philip Lerman From the classic by Euripides. Troy lies in ruins after its defeat by the Grecian army. All the men have been killed, and the women wait to be transported to Greece, as slaves or concubines. Hecuba, Troy’s former queen, learns the disposition of her surviving family from the Grecian soldier Talthybius. In parting scenes with her daughter and with her son's widow, Hecuba’s spirits are lifted by the courage of these young women. After a blunt exchange with Helen, whose illicit romance with Hecuba’s other son Paris led to Troy’s destruction, the former queen goes off to her servitude. With this modern, easy-to-stage adaptation, actors can ease into the unfamiliar world of Greek tragedy. Actors can perform these classic roles as if the characters might be our contemporaries, thereby showing the terrible waste of war in more contemporary terms.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
Philip Lerman Talks About His Adaptations of
IPHIGENIA AT AULIS and THE TROJAN WOMEN
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THESE ADAPTATIONS?
A: In 1998 I started a theatre company that would offer students hands-on experience to serious works of drama. These amateur actors wanted to perform classics. Modern plays tend to be more topical, built around a particular event. These are larger plays that teach larger lessons. The ethical problems remain true to life.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE ADAPTATIONS?
Every part and line.
Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART IN CREATING THESE ADAPTATIONS?
A: Typing the scripts!
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THESE ADAPTATIONS?
A: Simplified modern versions that makes the classics more accessible.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: I believe these adaptations remain true to the dramatic intent of the original classic.