at St. Veronica's Church, 149 Christopher Street

October 19 through November 11

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 8:00

$15 General, $10 Student, TDF accepted

Tickets: www.theatermania.com or call (212)352-3101

For ten years, in the absence of her husband, King Agamemnon, Clytemnestra has ruled over a city left vacant by its men fighting the Trojan War. Upon learning of Agamemnon’s victorious return, Clytemnestra seeks revenge against her husband for the murder of their oldest child. Centered around the preparation of a grand banquet, Clytemnestra’s murderous plot simmers and cooks as she orchestrates a meal in which Agamemnon constitutes the main dish.

A reconstruction of Aeschylus’ classic text, this unique experience is an amalgam of the different translations of Agamemnon as well as texts borrowed from different sources including autopsy reports, food recipes, internet video game discussion groups, Roland Barthes, Dante, Shakespeare, and others. The production concentrates on the strong connection between food and the process of cooking as it mirrors human nature’s lust for power and violence. The audience becomes a central character to the event as its members assume the role of guests at Clytemnestra’s great feast.

AGAMEMNON will be the second production of the 2005/2006 season under the artistic direction of Joshua Randall. The 22-year-old Vortex Theater Company changed Artistic Directors in January of 2005 and is now dedicated to producing and creating provocative and well-executed traditional theatrical experiences for a contemporary audience. After the critical success of last season’s The Blind, which enjoyed a sold out run and an extension at Classic Stage Company, AGAMEMNON will be performed in a most unconventional locale: the basement of a West Village church constructed in 1890.

AGAMEMNON will be directed by Gisela Cardenas, who is currently the Directing Fellow at New York Theatre Workshop. Originally from Peru, Cardenas has worked with directors such as Robert Woodruff, Anne Bogart, James MacDonald, and Arianne Mnouchkine. Adding her intensely physical vision to this classic text, Gisela will utilize a cast of almost two dozen actors to create an intimate and unforgettable experience.