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Calling all actors—designers—creatives organized and not—to join us in

Aristophanes' Assemblywomen

Translated by Jeffrey Henderson

Directed by Krishni Burns and Lizzy Ten-Hove
Friday, January 4, 2019
SCS/AIA Annual Meeting, San Diego

The Committee on Ancient and Modern Performance's annual tradition of staged readings at the annual general meeting will continue this year with a production of Aristophanes' Assemblywomen!

Praxagora and the women of Athens covertly seize control of the Athenian government and begin implementing a series of bold reforms. The long-disenfranchised women's interventions transform the city from flawed, yet functional, state to utter chaos. In the true Athenian tradition of using women to think with, the production will parallel the play’s themes to posit a possible future scenario in the US political system. Like the men of Athens, groups in power have been systematically undermining public and civic education, while we, the underinformed electorate, tend to vote in our own immediate interests without fully understanding the ramifications of new policies and promises. In the wake of #metoo and the 2018 "Year of the Woman" midterms, the play's gender dynamics are especially thought provoking and timely.

We'd love to cast actors from every background—no previous experience is required! There will be lots of opportunities for silent roles, if you want to give CAMP a try.

Praxagora, the brains behind the women's coup

Blepyrus, Praxagora's husband

Their Neighbor, who caves under pressure

Chremes, a gossip of the first order

The Selfish Man

A Herald

Epigenes, a handsome young man

Chorus of Athenian women, young, old, and in between, both speaking and silent

A Men’s Chorus of silent characters

In addition to actors, we invite volunteers interested in contributing their time and talents behind the scenes! If you're interested in graphic design, costume assistance, props, sound design, stage management, etc., let us know.

Rehearsals will take place all day on Thursday, January 3, with a readthrough on the evening of Wednesday the 2nd for those already in San Diego.

If you are interested, please contact Krishni at <ksburns@uic.edu> or Lizzy at <etenhove@stanford.edu> by October 1st and let us know what you are interested in doing!

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(Photo: "Empty Theatre (almost)" by Kevin Jaako, licensed under CC BY 2.0)

"Empty Theatre (almost)"by Kevin Jaako, licensed under CC BY 2.0