Klytaimnestra
The performance brings together three versions of the famous Greek tragedy: Aischylos' original text, Ted Hughes' masterful English translation, and Gustav Ernst's raw interpretation Bloodbath. By juxtaposing these three readings of the mythical text, the unbridled warmongering and toxic masculinity come to the surface and we see the character of Agamemnon in a new light.
Run time 120 minutes
Genre theatre
Language Dutch, English, Greek, Portuguese
Surtitles Dutch
In Gesprek Fri May 17
Klytaimnḗstra
'If evil is in this wind, let it blow over.'
That is what we read in Ted Hughes' translation of the Oresteia. The first part of the trilogy by Greek tragedy poet Aischylos focuses on the story of King Agamemnon and his wife Klytaimnéstra. The monarch decides to sacrifice their daughter Iphigenia in exchange for favourable winds to take his ships to Troy. When Agamemnon finally wins the Trojan War, he returns home, where a confrontation with Klytaimnéstra awaits him.
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STAN created an open-air performance in Elefsina (Greece), Aischylos' birthplace, in the summer of 2022. In 2024, they are adapting Klytaimnḗstra for theatres with Olympique Dramatique.
The cast includes a group of Belgian and Greek actors and a Brazilian and Norwegian performer. A polyphonic ensemble, embodying different perspectives and exposing the dynamics between dancers and actors. A dissection of misogyny, 2,500 years ago and today. Of power hunger and violence, of the indifference with which we endure brutality. A questioning of contemporary (gender) identities and truths. With as its formative guide: where does intuition take over from reason?
In Gesprek
After the performance, come and think, listen and chat at In Gesprek. We invite a guest to further explore the themes of Klytaimnḗstra and to exchange experiences. If you have any questions, this is the perfect time to ask them. In Gesprek is free of charge and starts shortly after the performance in one of our foyers, is conducted in Dutch and lasts about half an hour.
Credits
by and with Antonis Antonopoulos, Adriana Bakker, Synne Enoksen, Sara Haeck, Eleni Moleski, Gustavo Gláuber, Maria Skoula, Stijn Van Opstal
concept and direction Jolente De Keersmaeker
text 'Agamemnon' (Oresteia) by Aischylos, Ted Hughes and Gustav Ernst
movement advice Youness Khoukhou
stage design and lighting Thomas Walgrave
costumes Rachid Laachir
concept music Frank Vercruyssen
production STAN & Olympique Dramatique | Toneelhuis
in co-production with European Capital of Culture Elefsina 2023
with the support of the Belgian federal government's Tax Shelter
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Roles
Klytaimnḗstra, queen of Argos, daughter of Leda: Maria Skoula, Synne Enoksen, Sara Haeck and Eleni Moleski
Agamemnon, king of Argos, son of Atreus and victor in Troy: Stijn Van Opstal
Cassandra, daughter of Priam, king of Troy: Gustavo Gláuber
Iphigenia, daughter of Klytaimnḗstra and Agamemnon: Adriana Bakker
Watchman, citizen of Argos: Antonis Antonopoulos
herald, Greek soldier of Troy: Synne Enoksen
Choir, Elder of Argos: Antonis Antonopoulos, Synne Enoksen, Sara Haeck, Eleni Moleski and Gustavo Gláuber
