Two Classic Plays at This Year’s New York Euripides Summer Festival

Two rarely-staged classics by Euripides are being presented this year at The New York Euripides Summer Festival in New York City.

“Iphigenia among the Taurians” and “Daughters of Troy” will be presented in a limited run from July 27 until August 1, with both outdoor and indoor performances. All performances are presented free of charge.

“Iphigenia among the Taurians” is based on a myth which says that Iphigenia was actually not sacrificed in Aulis by Agamemnon but was rather saved by Artemis whom she then served as a priestess at her temple in Tauris.

Her brother Orestes and his friend Pylades then attempt to rob the temple.

The production features Jade Anderson in the title role; Orestes will be played by Frank Pagliaro and Pylades will be performed by Gerome Olona. The Greek Women are played by Mary Flannigan, Leah Griff, Ellen Relac, and Annie Fang.

The Herdsman will be played by Joel Hunter; the character Thoas by Nick Meruvia, and The Messenger will be presented by Carlo Maria Velardi. The goddess Athena will be played by Ruba El-kaddoumi. The play is directed by Stephen Diacrussi.

Performances are on Saturday, July 27 at Theatre 54, at 8 PM, on Monday, July 29 at East River Park Amphitheater at 6 PM, and on Wednesday, July 31 at The Richard Rodgers Amphitheatre at 6 PM.

The play “Daughters of Troy” reflects Euripides’ disillusionment with Athenian democracy, drawing on events from the Trojan War, just after the stratagem of the Trojan Horse, when Troy fell to the Greeks.

Deedee Woche appears as Hecuba and Ruba El-kaddoumi repeats her role as Athena. The Trojan Women are performed by Taylor McKenzie, Annie Fang, Abigail Gabor and Shadie Thompson. Talthybius is played by Joel Hunter and Menelaus by Christopher Yoo.

Lesley Young will be playing Andromache and Charlotte Williams will present the character of Cassandra. Alexis Slocum appears as Helen and Stephen Diacrussi makes an appearance as Poseidon. The play is directed by Annabelle Lau.

Performances are on Sunday, July 28 at Theatre 54 at 6 PM; Tuesday, July 30 at East River Park Amphitheatre at 6 PM; and Thursday, August 1 at The Richard Rodgers Amphitheater at 6 PM.

Produced by American Thymele Theatre, reservations for the plays are not required but are recommended for performances on July 27-28. To make reservations, please call Ticket Central at: 1-212-279-4200 or click here.