10= THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
ARTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2002
University play to connect with Sept.11
By Amy Kelly
akelly@kansan.com
Jayplay writer
Theater students are discovering life can imitate art.
Beginning Oct. 24, Murphy Hall's William Inge Memorial Theatre will feature Euripides: Iphigenia at Aulis, a Greek tragedy that director Sara Armstrong selected because of its Sept. 11 connection.
When selecting the play for this fall's William Inge Series, Armstrong decided she wanted to undertake a project with depth. Even though Iphigenia at Aulis was not a common theatrical production, Armstrong said the topics it addresses were still significant in today's society.
"It really is an interrogation of revenge, patriotism and loyalty." Armstrong said. "We're not trying to say this play is Sept. 11, but we want you to at least think about where you stand on it."
Armstrong's production of Iphigenia at Aulis may not be set in ancient Greece, but the plot will remain the same as Euripides' original, fifth century B.C., drama.
"Destiny versus free will, men versus women, these are big themes in it," said Hannah Ballou, a chorus member and movement coach.
"As far as Sept. 11 goes, this play is pretty pertinent," said Ballou, Topeka senior. "War is one of the strongest themes in the play. I guess one of the challenges for the audience is to find solutions," she said.
"There's a lot of handling of the term foreign."Armstrong said. "There is a justifiable impulse to have those feelings, especially when you're being attacked from the outside."
Armstrong said the themes of nationalism and prejudice were interspersed throughout Iphigenia at Aulis.
In order to convey the modern ideas of a Greek drama, Armstrong and her cast are changing some aspects. Rather than seeing a toga ensemble, men will don camouflage. And Iphigenia's mother, wife of Agamemnon, is now a congressman's wife.
"I was thinking about Sept. 11 today and I was trying to think of where I was," said Allison Gabbard, Topeka senior. "When I think about it, 'sadness' and
"As far as Sept. 11 goes, this play is pretty pertinent."
Hannah Ballou chorus member and movement coach
'helplessness' are not big enough words."
Joseph Boothe, Overland Park senior playing the part of Agamemnon, said he was surprised how closely Euripides' play reflected what the United States had been through since Sept.11.
"Texts that are thousands of years old can be a funny thing," said Boothe. "They can be rejuvenated because of something that happened last year."
By diving into his character, Boothe has received insight into his own beliefs.
The William Inge Theatre Series will present Iphigenia at Aulis from Oct. 24 through Nov.2.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the play, contact the University Theatre box office at 864-3982.
—Edited by Christina Neff
John Nowak/Kansan
Hannah Ballou, right, Topeka senior and Averyn Mackey, Overland Park junior, rehearse a dance routine with fellow actors for their upcoming roles in 'Euripides: Iphigenia at Aulis.' The play, which has a Sept. 11 connection, opens Oct. 24 at Inge Theatre in Murphy Hall.