WATSONVILLE — When Greek playwright Euripides premiered his tragedy “The Trojan Women” to an audience of his countrymen in 415 BC, he probably knew it would be a hard sell.
“The Trojan Women” tells the story of the women of Troy who were widowed after the Trojan War and then captured by Greek conquerers. A direct commentary on the currently waging Peloponnesian War against Sparta (431-404 BC), the play drew attention to the violent acts of Euripides’ own people.
“Just imagine the Greeks watching this, seeing their heroes portrayed as the villains,” said Sarah Albertson, Cabrillo College Theatre Arts instructor and director of the college’s upcoming production of the play. “It must’ve been a real shock.”
The women in Euripides’ play quite literally become the spoils of war; having lost their husbands and many of their sons, they are left to grieve and await capture and enslavement. Though a strong anti-war message permeates the story, it does portray the women as passive victims — something Albertson said she wanted to avoid for a modern audience.
Cabrillo College Theatre Arts’ version was written by Irish author Brendan Kennelly in 1993. Albertson commended Kennelly’s interpretation of the characters.
“It’s important to see survivors of war, especially women, as resilient and strong,” she said. “We watch these characters go through so much hardship and wonder, ‘How can they still carry on?’”
The production brings together a cast of students and professional actors of all ages, which Albertson noted is a special characteristic of community college theater. Lillian Bogovich, who plays Hecuba, has been especially powerful in her role both onstage as off, Albertson said.
“She’s really been like an anchor for us,” she said. “But honestly, everyone has been absolutely amazing. There’s been such a sense of community with this cast. They work together so well.”
A change for most actors involved is being able to work in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater — one of the largest venues in the area. With set design by Skip Epperson, every bit of the space will be used, creating a scene which Albertson described as “visually captivating.”
Albertson, who is also co-chair of the Theatre Arts Department, said she was inspired to put on “The Trojan Women” by a number of things, from seeing a version of the play done by a group of Syrian refugees to the recent #MeToo movement in the U.S.
“I hope people leave this production determined to carry on, even in this complex, conflicted world we live in right now,” she said. “I want these women’s resilience to inspire them to stay strong.”
“The Trojan Women” opens at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater on Nov. 2 and runs until Nov. 18, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For information and to order tickets, visit cabrillovapa.com or call 479-6154.
