A Classic Greek Myth Gets Updated

In Orestes, A Tragic Romp at the Folger Theater in Washington, DC, Orestes returns home after being in exile during the Trojan War.  Upon his father’s return, his mother Clytemnestra and her lover, Aegisthus, kill Agamemnon.  In retaliation, both murders are  killed in retaliation and Orestes and Electra, his sister, stand in judgment for their crimes in front of the citizens and the gods.

The gripping re-imagined drama, written by playwright Anne Washburn (author of author of The Internationalist, Apparition, and The Ladies) is a razor-sharp modern adaptation of the classic Greek tale.

Helen Hayes Award winner Holly Twyford (Arcadia, Romeo and Juliet) plays Electra and Hayes-nominated Jay Sullivan (The History Boys, Rock ‘N’ Roll) will be playing the role of Orestes. 

The story by Euripides dates back to 408 B.C.  In the original version, at the finale, the god Apollo intervenes before more blood is shed, saving all involved, yet in this retelling, the playwright may take the story in a completely different direction.

If you know a fan of Greek mythology or tragedies, tickets to Orestes, A Tragic Romp may make a wonderful holiday gift.

Orestes, A Tragic Romp
Folger Theater
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC  (map it)

Dates & Times – January 27 through March 7, 2010. Evenings Tuesdays – Sunday, with weekend matinee performances.  One hour before each performance, ten standing room tickets are made available at the box office starting.

Tickets – $39.00 – $53.00 and are available online. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Capitol South – Orange and Blue lines, then a 4-block walk, or use the DC Circulator bus.

Parking – Limited metered and free street parking is available.  Paid garage parking is available along Pennsylvania Ave, near Third Street and at Union Station.

Image – Wikipedia – The Remorse of Orestes by William-Adolphe Bouguereau