Queens Of Syria, an adaptation of Euripides’ The Trojan Women starring an all-female cast of Syrian refugees, will run for a single week at the Young Vic this summer.
The production, first stage in Amman in 2013, plays at the Southwark venue from 5 to 9 July before embarking on a UK tour.
This new version of the great Greek anti-war drama blends the ancient text with the narratives and experiences of its performers, bringing their experience of displacement and turmoil to Euripides tragedy. The classical play, about the fate of the women left after Troy is destroyed and their husbands killed, is mixed with scenes from a documentary about the refugees to create a piece of multimedia theatre.
Speaking about the production, cast member Khaula said: “We came into a new society, a new way of life: we were isolated. Doing this play helped us break the ice; we started to connect with others and make friends. It gave us the courage we needed to talk about our problems frankly and clearly. We feel that we can do something for Syria, and the Syrian people, by sending a message to the whole world – hopefully someone can help us end this tragedy.”