Ajax

This one-night-only theatrical production from Kenosha’s Carthage College features a female playing the titular character in Sophocles’ drama. It was also co-translated by two Carthage students; one is a combat vet who served in Afghanistan. It’s part of In Good Company, the month-long commemoration of veterans’ artwork organized by Yvette Pino. With discount tickets for vets and students.

press release: Carthage College Theatre presents a new translation of Sophocles’ Ajax. Still relevant today, this timeless tragedy follows the story of Ajax, hero warrior of the Trojan War, who is publicly humiliated when the armor of fallen hero Achilles is gifted to Odysseus instead of him. Ajax vows revenge on the generals who have dishonored him, but is tricked by the goddess Athena into thinking a flock of sheep is actually a group of his enemies, whom he slaughters. Coming to his senses, Ajax is humiliated by his actions and teeters on the verge of suicide. Will he take his own life, or can his wife Tekmessa and his own soldiers convince him to stay alive?

We hope you’ll join us to discuss the ideas and themes of the play at the post-performance talkback with Director Martin McClendon and the cast. This show is a new translation/adaptation by Carthage classics major and combat veteran Lawrence Gums and classics major/theater minor Melody Abbott. The production is part of the "In Good Company" festival of veteran art.

Prior to the show there will be an opening reception of the Veteran Print Project’s new exhibit, The Transience of Narrative, in the Playhouse Gallery. Also, please join us to discuss the ideas and themes of the play at the post-performance talkback with Director Martin McClendon and the cast.