Shining a light on the powerful themes of themes of death, commitment and war, Burning House presents their critically acclaimed bi-lingual production of AJAX at The Old 505 Theatre, Newtown from 23 April 2019.
Set in the chaos of the mythical Trojan War, AJAX is a powerful, intense experience that crosses cultural boundaries and unites its audience in the shared experience of trauma and grief.
Ajax is the strongest soldier left in the Greek army after Troy. After his best friend Achilles dies, Ajax snaps, destroying the armies cattle in a dissociative experience. Upon coming to, and worn down by a whole decade of consistent violence, he must decide whether he has the strength to face his demons, or to end it all.
Playing to great acclaim in Melbourne, Burning House Artistic Director Robert Johnson rewrote Sophocles’ powerful tragedy – modernising the setting but keeping the powerful, mythical context. The play is in both English and Arabic.
“I’m tremendously excited to bring this work to Sydney,” said Johnson. “It’s such a powerful experience sitting in the audience watching this show. Everyone becomes connected by sharing in the ritual of grief, and language barriers all but disappear.”
“Tragedy is such a strong social tool at purging unnecessary difference – I really urge everyone to come see this work. They won’t have spent another hour in the theatre like it. It’s incredibly intense – think the Hurt Locker meets Passolini,” he added
“Utterly heartbreaking and absolutely chilling… a terrifying and confronting look at the cycle of war.” – Shakespeare Oz
Director / Designer: Robert Johnson Featuring: Leikny Middleton, Chad O’Brien, Seton Pollock, Michelle Robertson Dramaturg / Sound Design: Jonathan Graffam Linguistic Consultant: Stephanie Ghajar
AJAX
The Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newton
Season: 23 April – 4 May 2019
Bookings: www.old505theatre.com
For more information, visit: www.burninghousetheatre.com for details.
Image: courtesy of Burning House