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We Happy Few presents “Iphigenia”
May 24, 2023 @ 7:30 pm - June 17, 2023 @ 9:30 pm
We Happy Few presents
Iphigenia
7:30pm — May 24 – June 17
at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
A myth is never just one story.
The Greek Army cannot sail to Troy without wind, and Artemis won’t let the winds blow without the sacrifice of King Agamemnon’s daughter. As family ties square up against patriotic duty, the fate of the most famous war in history rests on the shoulders of Iphigenia. As the classic myth unfolds, the chorus attempts to unearth the real story of Iphigenia, and they will replay the events of that day as many times as needed to do it. Drawing from both Euripides and Racine, this new adaptation is a meditation on storytelling that blends classic tragedy with madcap irreverence.
Helen Hayes Recommended We Happy Few (PERICLES, 2018; LOVERS’ VOWS, 2019; DESDEMONA, 2022), following the success of LA LLORONA (2022), debuts another new show this spring. IPHIGENIA examines the ill-fortuned daughter of Agamemnon, notable not only for the depths of her tragedy, but for the multitude of conflicting stories concerning her fate. The ‘original’ story of a father placed in an impossible situation by his arrogance, and his daughter’s obligation to pay the ultimate price for it, is called into question by reinterpretations, shocking revelations, and deus ex machina that abound in the literary record of this legend, making it ripe for the sort of exploration and reimagining at which We Happy Few has long excelled.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Iphigenia was written by Kerry McGee (LOVERS’ VOWS, DESDEMONA). It is directed by Jennifer Hopkins (PERICLES) and Emilia Pazniokas (DESDEMONA) and stars Debora Crabbe (LOVEDAY BROOKE), Bri Houtman (Love Like Tuesday; Faction of Fools), Carolyn Kashner (American Spies and Other Homegrown Fairy Tales; The Hub Theatre), Mary Myers (45 Plays for 45 Presidents; NextStop Theatre Company), Robert Pike (FRANKENSTEIN), Matt Sparacino (The Rainmaker; 1st Stage Theatre), and Joshua Williams (Romeo & Juliet; Quill Theatre). Produced by Kerry McGee. Production manager Rachel Dixon. Stage management by Mackenzie Wentela. Lights by Jason Aufdem-Brinke, assistant lighting design by Camille Kashaka, sound design by Robert Pike, set by Jon Reynolds, costuming by Maria Bissex, dramaturgy by Keith Hock, graphic design by Kerry McGee.
Special Events
May 26
Opening Night Reception
Join the cast after the show for cupcakes, cocktails, and a post-show cabaret of mythological proportions from Jenna Murphy.
June 3
Talkback: Women of War
Join dramaturg Keith Hock for a post-show discussion that ranges from Iphigenia to Clytemnestra, from Helen to Cassandra. The women of Ancient Greece and Troy helped shape the outcome of the war just as much as the men did. And frankly, their stories are even more interesting and provocative, though told far less often. Ghost Helen?! Clytemnestra’s bloody revenge?! Iphigenia’s other play (that’s right, there’s two!)?!
June 9
Drinks Night at Iphigenia
Join award-winning DC bartender Chantal Tseng for a preshow cocktail that showcases Greek spirits. Then stick around after the show as Chantel and sommelier Vanessa Cominsky pour a selection of Greek wines and discuss all things bacchanal.
June 12
Industry Night
A special Monday night performance with special ticket prices and beer prices.