Thesis production offers new take on Greek tragedy, Jan 12-15

Hippolytos

Above: Actors in the student production of "Hippolytos" perform multiple roles, just as cast members did in the original Greek production. Chris Arp (foreground) plays the title character Hippolytos, whose stepmother Phaidra is forced by gods to fall in love with him. Sherry Rujikarn (background) plays the goddess Artemis. 

At left: Chorus member Chitanvis observes as the nurse (Scott Elmegreen) talks with the queen Phaidra, also played by Rujikarn.

Hippolytos

Above: Kiran Chitanvis performs as the voice of the chorus.

Photos: John Jameson

Princeton students will present a fresh take on a classic Greek tragedy, Euripides' "Hippolytos," at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 12-15, in the Matthews Acting Studio at 185 Nassau St.

Senior Zachary Woolfe is directing a cast of students who play multiple parts, as actors did in the original production of "Hippolytos." The play is Woolfe's senior thesis production for the Program in Theater and Dance.

Hippolytos

The performance is based on a new translation by sophomore Lucas Barron, who worked with Woolfe and the actors over the summer to craft a more contemporary version of the original play. "Hippolytos" is the story of a young queen, forced by gods to fall madly in love with her stepson, setting up a series of deadly lies and revelations that threatens Athens' future.

"'Hippolytos' was revolutionary for its sympathetic portrayal of a female character, and it remains a riveting drama about love, family and divinity," Woolfe said.

The production features sophomore Chris Arp, juniors Kiran Chitanvis and Scott Elmegreen and senior Sherry Rujikarn. Senior Spencer Salazar composed an original score for the performance.

Tickets at $8 for students, $10 for the general public and free for Tiger Tickets holders. They are available through the Frist Campus Center ticket office, (609) 258-1742.