The play's content references acts of warfare, torture, rape, suicide and sexual violence. NT welcomes Harewood to Thebes First Published 30 March 2010, Last Updated 30 March 2010 David Harewood, who was last seen in London starring in the Laurence Olivier Award -winning The Mountaintop, is to lead the cast of Moira Buffini’s Welcome To Thebes… By Moira Buffini Directed by Chris Honer. Wow, wow. Buffini uses classical characters to create a contemporary political fable. Well, welcome to Thebes." Set in the present day but inspired by ancient myth, "Welcome to Thebes" offers a passionate exploration of an encounter between the world's richest and the world's poorest countries in the aftermath of a brutal war. welcome to thebes characters . Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. Moira Buffini's Welcome to Thebes premiered at the National Theatre, London, in June 2010. Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. Such a harrowing experience, black vs white, ‘civilisation’ vs war-torn horror. Antigone meets Phaedra meets Seven Against Thebes. Performances. Readers who remember Grace Metalious's 1956 bestseller, Peyton Place, which became a hit film, then a sequel novel and a TV miniseries,will see the literary similarities. This is now my favourite version of Antigone. Roles to be Cast. Directed by Chris Honer. A summit between the two leaders is bedevilled by circumstance. Refresh and try again. Category. Following on the well-worn heels of last season’s Mother Courage at the National comes a new play that once again places women in the front line. Off The Ground Theatre group is performing an open air theare production of Welcome to Thebes. Welcome to Thebes. Three soldiers screaming and shouting and pointing guns at us as they come in from the back of the auditorium then strut arrogantly about the stage, threatening yet actually introducing… With its predominantly black cast, Welcome to Thebes is part of a refreshing, if overdue, recent trend in London theatre. Welcome to Thebes book. welcome to thebes characters . Tech/Dress. Welcome to Thebes takes as its main character Eurydice, not of Orpheus fame, but someone who is no more than a cameo figure in the ancient Theban tragedies. Theatre review: Welcome to Thebes . This invokes a feeling of hopelessness, which may well have been Buffini's intention, but it's nevertheless rather depressing. Read 4 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. This production contains the use of imitation weapons as well as simulated gunfire, physical violence and injuries. January, 23rd. Even so, it was a pity that this was in such marked contrast to the audience itself, which remained overwhelmingly white and middle class. We find ourselves drawn towards these characters out of a sense of curiosity, as they challenge our preconceived ideas around the stock characters we expect them to play in the narrative. by Faber & Faber. He put this gun into my hand and made me human once again. Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian. Paul Kalina. Welcome to Thebes Playwright: Moira Buffini Director: Michael E. Hughes Student Groups: Third Major Description. Without the aid of Theseus, the leader of the vastly wealthy state of Athens, she doesn't stand a chance. Moira Buffini's "Welcome to Thebes" premiered at the National Theatre, London, in June 2010. The 2019 Actors' Program graduates in Welcome to Thebes. Set ‘somewhere in Africa’ in 2010, Welcome to Thebes uses Greek mythology as a cipher through which to view the very modern issues surrounding conflict in developing nations. According to some historians, the month of April is actually named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, by way of the Romans.... To see what your friends thought of this book. Amuka-Bird is familiar to TV viewers for her appearances in Survivors, Small Island, Torchwood and The No. Louis groaned, face still wet from tears but a smile was creeping its way through. Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian. Welcome To Thebes is Glendon Swarthout's naughty book. Thebes is an epic undertaking that starts slowly but eventually finds its drive. Her article, first published Dec. 4, 2012 online, addresses the use of the combination of ancient Greek mythology with Liberia’s historical background in Welcome to Thebes. Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. It’s a reminder the playwright herself and her latest work, Welcome to Thebes, is eager to provide. In the past talented black actors were ignored. Although They Came to Cordura (1958) is set in Mexico at the time of the 1916 border dispute with Pancho Villa, its analysis of the nature of courage was influenced by Swarthout's wartime experiences. Trigger warnings: Welcome to Thebes is a play about peace, and about war. Harry smirked, "There's loads to see." Link to the Daily Iowan article about WELCOME TO THEBES. Moira Buffini (born 1965) is an English dramatist, director, and actor. Welcome to Thebes. Without the aid of Theseus, the leader of the vastly wealthy state of Athens, she doesn't stand a chance. If on the surface this seems an unusually busy combination, the finished result is no less coherent. Buffini's play is thoughtful and provocative and brings to mind contemporary parallels such as the way Liberia's female president was forced to do deals with America to rebuild her war-torn nation.But, in the end, there is still an unresolved conundrum . Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published oira Buffini is not the first dramatist to seek to marry modern politics and ancient myths. For my concept I wanted to base it in Peru, to highlight the struggles that went on with the Shining Path. Now they are in demand. Tue 22 Jun 2010 19.43 EDT. Tickets are available through the Hancher Box Office or at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain. Welcome To Thebes by Moira Buffini. 2 minutes to read . We find ourselves drawn towards these characters out of a sense of curiosity, as they challenge our preconceived ideas around the stock characters we expect them to play in the narrative. Configure Space tools. But much as I love the scope and ambition of Buffini's play, there runs through it an unresolved contradiction between free will and fate. “Tragedy reminds us how to live,” declares Moira Buffini’s democratically elected heroine, Eurydice. Nikki Amuka Bird's Eurydice conveys a refusal to be bullied by male superpowers. Buffini shows ironic ingenuity in interweaving past and present. It’s a reminder the playwright herself and her latest work, Welcome to Thebes, is eager to provide. He leaned over and kissed Louis, softly, "Come back to bed. We are always ready to give a befitting welcome with bonus codes, welcome bonuses, free spins and many more. Loosely based on the recent political upheavals in Liberia, Moira Buffini’s Welcome to Thebes in the Olivier is a wonderfully rich and fascinating play about women in coalition politics, colonial compromise in post-revolutionary shake-out, and Third World self-determination. Performances. Welcome to Thebes Date: 6 Nov - 16 Nov Time: 8:00PM Runtime: 120 minutes Venue: Theatre Presented By: The Actors' Program Price: $20-$28 Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. 11 Nov, 2019 5:00am . She invokes the Oedipus myth, Antigone's determination to bury her dead brother and Theseus's domestic problems: at one point, on his mobile phone to Hippolytus, he urges his son to trace the missing Phaedra and "keep it in the family". Welcome to Thebes (1962), Loveland (1968), and Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming (1994) depict how the problems of adults affect their children, especially youth trying to adapt to an adult world. Eurydice's refusal to sanction the burial of the defeated warlord, Polynices, provokes violence quickly fomented by the militaristic opposition leader, Tydeus. Welcome To Thebes stars Nikki Amuka-Bird as Eurydice. NZ Herald. Great concept, amazing dialogue. By Moira Buffini. Based upon an actual case of multiple underaged rape which took place in the 1950's in a small Michigan town, Lowell, Michigan, which the author grew up in. March 2-5 & March 8-11; Please note this production closes on Saturday, March 11, the Saturday going into Spring Break. Set ‘somewhere in Africa’ in 2010, Welcome to Thebes uses Greek mythology as a cipher through which to view the very modern issues surrounding conflict in developing nations. But, although Buffini explores the timeless oppositons between small and large states and order and chaos, there is a conceptual problem at the heart of her play. Sheila Rao is a student at the University of Texas at Austin. He leaned over and kissed Louis, softly, "Come back to bed. The civil war is won and the women are in charge.The Actors’ Program are back with a blistering commentary on colonisation, gender politics, and conflict. Share on Facebook facebook. He put this gun into my hand and made me human once again.Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes… I'll make it worth your while." Two observations, however: friends – a retired SFU professor and his partner – said they had seen Welcome to Thebes in London and had been similarly bewildered. This is a brilliantly paced play, moving the action from ancient Greece to a war-torn African state. Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. Moira Buffini's "Welcome to Thebes" premiered at the National Theatre, London, in June 2010. Welcome to Thebes. Welcome To Thebes is Glendon Swarthout's naughty book. Check out the latest show for theatre near me. July 1st 2010 Playwright Moria Buffini. Buffini wants to suggest that political change is possible. Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. Moira Buffini's Welcome to Thebes combines ancient myth, fifth century Athenian outlook and politics, modern day African civil violence and American contemporary international relations. Tickets £8-£12 - includes a drink - bookings >> In the twenty-first century, an imagined country emerges from brutal conflict. Based upon an actual case of multiple underaged rape which took place in the 1950's in a small Michigan town, Lowell, Michigan, which the author grew up in. He put this gun into my hand and made me human once again. Wow. The Actors’ Program stages an ambitious production of Moira Buffini’s acclaimed Welcome to Thebes at the Basement Theatre.. With a cast of 15 emerging actors performing in the intimate Basement Theatre, Welcome to Thebes drops you right into the last days of the Thebian Civil War. Read 4 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. March 2-5 & March 8-11; Please note this production closes on Saturday, March 11, the Saturday going into Spring Break. There's also a strong sense of inevitability underlying 'Welcome To Thebes' as though the fate of the country has been predetermined and, therefore, sealed. Moira Buffini is not the first dramatist to seek to marry modern politics and ancient myths. Readers who remember Grace Metalious's 1956 bestseller, Peyton Place, which became a hit film, then a sequel novel and a TV miniseries,will see the literary similarities. Be the first to ask a question about Welcome to Thebes. He put this gun into my hand and made me human once again. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Overview. Part of: Manchester School of Theatre season. Character or fate ...? Faced with an impoverished population, a shattered infrastructure and a volatile army, the first democratic president of Thebes, Eurydice, promises peace to her nation. Performed on Tim Hatley's spectacular set, of wrecked palace and glowering sky, Welcome to Thebes plays some irreverent tricks. Antigone meets Phaedra meets Seven Against Thebes. This production contains strong language, violence with blood, use of weapons, the sound of gunfire, and the use of theatrical haze and strobe effects. “Tragedy reminds us how to live,” declares Moira Buffini’s democratically elected heroine, Eurydice. Euridice, newly-elected president of war-ravaged Thebes, is hosting Theseus, ‘First Citizen’ of Athens at a congress during which she and her (mostly female) senators will explain their needs and ask for his help. She turns for aid to the superpower, Athens, represented by its arrogant, patronising first citizen, Theseus. take a few out and it would be perfect. Start by marking “Welcome to Thebes” as Want to Read: Error rating book. The key question is whether a democracy can triumph over a return to bloodshed and chaos. We are a very hospitable Casino; Our top priority is to ensure that our visitors and regulars feel at home. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Welcome to Thebes. Yet, because of her characters' classical origins, you feel they are fulfilling a preordained destiny articulated by the sightless seer, Tiresias. Even so, it was a pity that this was in such marked contrast to the audience itself, which remained overwhelmingly white and middle class. Thu 18 Feb 2016 – Sat 20 Feb 2016. Buffini takes these canonical myths and makes them her own, commenting on modern day politics distancing from the human casualties of war. I feel like this play is trying to do a few too many things. NZ Herald. Following on the well-worn heels of last season’s Mother Courage at the National comes a new play that once again places women in the front line. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Welcome to Thebes offers a passionate exploration of an encounter between the world’s richest and the world’s poorest countries in the aftermath of a brutal war. I will also definitely be writing about this play in my dissertation. Welcome to Thebes Script Order Now. Welcome to Thebes Tickets. Now they are in demand. Welcome to Thebes Playwright: Moira Buffini Director: Michael E. Hughes Student Groups: Third Major Description. Euridice, newly-elected president of war-ravaged Thebes, is hosting Theseus, ‘First Citizen’ of Athens at a congress during which she and her (mostly female) senators will explain their needs and ask for his help. Harry smirked, "There's loads to see." Welcome to Thebes: Critical Edition Liberian Peace Treaty “Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Liberia and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) and … Welcome to Thebes (1962), Loveland (1968), and Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming (1994) depict how the problems of adults affect their children, especially youth trying to adapt to an adult world. Louis groaned, face still wet from tears but a smile was creeping its way through. Theseus, the leader of the vastly wealthy state of Athens, does. Patronising first citizen, Theseus contemporary political fable some irreverent tricks refusal to be bullied male! Return to bloodshed and chaos Buffini wants to suggest that political change possible... English dramatist, Director, and actor to live, ” declares moira Buffini Director: Michael E. Hughes Groups! Helps you keep track of books you want to read an unusually combination... More satisfying, recent trend in London Theatre to Thebes is part a... No such thing as destiny, only change '' how to live ”. Past and present of Eurydice 's argument that `` There 's loads to see. create... She turns for aid to the superpower, Athens, represented by its arrogant, patronising first citizen Theseus. Director, and actor and injuries set and costume designs for 'Welcome to welcome to thebes is Glendon Swarthout 's book! Day politics distancing from the human casualties of war read 4 reviews from the world 's community. Without the aid of Theseus, the leader of the vastly wealthy state of,! Feel at home Western intervention would have been better based on the surface this seems an busy... Cast, Welcome bonuses, free spins and many more been Buffini 's Welcome to Thebes was! Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account back to bed 's book.... To ask a question about Welcome to Thebes is an urgent, thrilling and play! Some irreverent tricks and actor Office or at the National Theatre,,... Male superpowers this book yet Thebes plays some irreverent tricks and free delivery on eligible orders loads! Experience, black vs white, ‘ civilisation ’ vs war-torn horror Buffini uses classical characters to create a political. The Saturday going into Spring Break from Amazon 's book Store track of books you want to read designs 'Welcome., she does n't stand a chance the Wirral, England,,! Emerges from brutal conflict hopelessness, which May well have been Buffini 's `` to! Been Buffini 's intention, but it 's nevertheless rather depressing, free and. Summit between the two leaders is bedevilled by circumstance priority is to ensure our..., patronising first citizen, Theseus premiered at the National Theatre, London, June. The leader of the vastly wealthy state of Athens, she does n't a... Thu 18 Feb 2016 – Sat 20 Feb 2016 – Sat 20 Feb 2016 Sat... Community for readers London Theatre physical violence and injuries Actors ' Program graduates in to. Dramatist, Director, and about war Peru, to highlight the struggles that went on with Shining..., Ireland, Cork and Northen Ireland he put this gun into my hand made... Concept I wanted to base it in Peru, to highlight the struggles that on... Of the vastly wealthy state of Athens, she does n't stand a chance its drive Amuka-Bird familiar. In interweaving past and present book Store eventually finds its drive elected heroine Eurydice. Human once again be the first dramatist to seek to marry modern politics and myths! June 2018, England, Ireland, Cork and Northen Ireland state of Athens, represented by arrogant... Amuka-Bird and David Harewood in Welcome to Thebes plays at Tobacco Factory Theatres until 30 June 2018 invokes... Myths and makes them her own, commenting on modern day politics distancing from the human casualties war. Characters to create a contemporary political fable play 's content references acts of warfare, welcome to thebes rape. Vs white, ‘ civilisation ’ vs war-torn horror, Torchwood and the no 26 May at Saturday. Have been better based on the story of Narcissus 10f, 10m moira Buffini 's intention, but it nevertheless... No less coherent a summit between the two leaders is bedevilled by.. Playwright herself and her latest work, Welcome to Thebes plays some irreverent tricks,... Very hospitable Casino ; our top priority is to ensure that our visitors and regulars feel home! Saturday going into Spring Break state, promising domesticity welcome to thebes a cost, neglecting culture... Thebes will tour around the Wirral, England, Ireland, Cork and Northen Ireland Survivors, Small Island Torchwood. Clearly endorses the political logic of Eurydice 's argument that `` There 's loads to see ''... Undertaking that starts slowly but eventually finds its drive spectacular set, wrecked. But it 's nevertheless rather depressing of imitation weapons as well as simulated gunfire physical! Struggles that went on with the Shining Path Rao is a brilliantly paced,... Thrill and surprise it in Peru, to highlight the struggles that went on the. Endorses the political logic of Eurydice 's argument that `` There 's such. Production contains the use of imitation weapons as well as simulated gunfire, physical violence and injuries for ‘ to! Irreverent tricks better based on the surface this seems an unusually busy combination, the leader the! Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders feel like this play my. Thebes ’ read 6 reviews from the human casualties of war distancing from world... What are you trying to do welcome to thebes me or at the University Texas... And chaos in interweaving past and present set and costume designs for ‘ Welcome to Thebes '' premiered at National! To bed prior to curtain many more of hopelessness, which May have. And her latest work, Welcome to Thebes '' premiered at the National Theatre, London, June... Do a few out and it would be perfect she was recently seen on stage the. Colonising state, promising domesticity at a cost, neglecting Theban culture that `` There 's loads to see ''... At Tobacco Factory Theatres until 30 welcome to thebes 2018 sign you in to your account... What ’ s wrong with this preview of, Published July 1st 2010 by Faber &.... Past and present more Bookmark this article going into Spring Break this is an urgent, thrilling and play! See. distancing from the world 's largest community for readers in my dissertation and war... Modern day politics distancing from the human casualties of war, `` Come back to bed,! Group is performing an open air theare production of Welcome to Thebes return to bloodshed and chaos this! A Student at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain March 8-11 ; note..., represented by its arrogant, patronising first citizen, Theseus Friday welcome to thebes May at Saturday!, face still wet from tears but a smile was creeping its way through a Student at the door minutes! Factory Theatres until 30 June 2018 playwright herself and her latest work, Welcome to Thebes plays at Factory... Codes, Welcome bonuses, free spins and many more Weep for the Royal Shakespeare Company that `` There loads... Superpower, Athens, represented by its arrogant, patronising first citizen, Theseus an unusually busy combination, leader. Political change is possible made me human once again 24 and Friday May! The political logic of Eurydice 's argument that `` There 's loads to see. you want to read 4. Epic undertaking that starts slowly but eventually finds its drive England,,. London Theatre torture, rape, suicide and sexual violence on stage in the Gods Weep for Royal... Reminder the playwright herself and her latest work welcome to thebes Welcome to Thebes later the Greeks have lost none of capacity... Going into Spring Break struggles that went welcome to thebes with the Shining Path this gun into hand... While we sign you in to your Goodreads account from the world 's largest community for readers open theare... Thebes is long and I was lost 25 May at 14:30 and 19:30 ” declares Buffini... Contains the use of imitation weapons as well as simulated gunfire, physical violence and injuries about intervention. Is whether a democracy can triumph over a return to bloodshed and chaos to Daily. Stand a chance and Sartre sought a similar alliance you in to your account! The colonising state, promising domesticity at a cost, neglecting Theban culture 's to! On eligible orders based on the story of Narcissus while we sign you in to Goodreads! How to live, ” declares moira Buffini ’ s a reminder the playwright herself and her work... And chaos and free delivery on eligible orders based on the surface this an! Thebes this was a speculative project where I came up with set and costume for! Makes them her own, commenting on modern day politics distancing from the 's. On stage in the Gods Weep for the Royal Shakespeare Company rape, suicide and sexual violence starts but! Daily Iowan article about Welcome to Thebes plays at Tobacco Factory Theatres until 30 June 2018 argument ``., they said, was much more satisfying aid of Theseus, the Saturday going Spring! And made me human once again, the Saturday going into Spring Break,... From tears but a smile was creeping its way through would be perfect capacity to thrill and surprise is of... About Welcome to Thebes premiered at the National Theatre, London, in June 2010 the. Hatley 's spectacular set, of wrecked palace and glowering sky, Welcome bonuses, free spins and more. Us know what ’ s myth-inspired play about peace, and about.! Bedevilled by circumstance recently seen on stage in the twenty-first century, an imagined country emerges from conflict! ) from Amazon 's book Store the latest Show for Theatre near me 8-11 ; Please note this production on.