ELEKTRA Begins Previews at Stratford Shakespeare Festival Tonight, 7/29

Elektra, the gripping Greek tragedy about a young woman's determination to bring justice and vengeance down on those who murdered her father, starts previews at the Tom Patterson Theatre tonight, July 29.

At the helm of the production is cutting-edge Athenian director Thomas Moschopoulos, one of Greece's most internationally acclaimed theatre artists, and the creative mind behind the closing ceremonies' artistic presentation at the 2004 summer Olympic Games in Athens.

"Thomas Moschopolous is an extraordinary director," says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. "I saw his production of Euripides' Alceste at the ancient Epidaurus amphitheatre in Greece in 2010 and was blown away – so was the 14,000 seat audience, which consisted of mostly young people. His uniquely inspired vision attracts and thrills audiences of all ages. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what his limitless imagination has done with this powerful and tragic play."

"It's part of the Festival's mission to produce work that spans the range of human endeavour and human writing. Producing this piece, which is one of the world's greatest dramatic texts and is 2,400 years old, is a testament to that commitment," says General Director Antoni Cimolino. "One of the original pieces of dramatic literature Elektra is still as compelling and riveting as it was all those centuries ago and is an important part of our 60th season celebration."

Translated by Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson, who is known for her visceral translations of Greek theatre, the production features Yanna McIntosh as Elektra and Seana McKenna as Clytemestra, with Graham Abbey as Aigisthos, Laura Condlln as Chrysothemis, Peter Hutt as the Old Man, and Ian Lake as Orestes.

The artistic team for this production includes Designer Ellie Papageorgakopoulou, Lighting Designer Itai Erdal, Composer Kornilios Selamsis, Choreographer Amalia
Bennett and Stunt Coordinator Todd Campbell.

"In ancient Athens, tragedy was not just entertainment; it was a public event," says Mr. Moschopoulos. "It offered a kind of academy where people could hear – and reflect upon – discussions of issues that were important to the state. The Athenians saw tragedy as a social way of thinking, an instrument of philosophy. Today, Greek tragedies are often treated as if they were melodramas, offering clear-cut moral distinctions between right and wrong. But in tragedy we do not know what is right and wrong; that is the whole point. We are not told what to think; we are merely given hints to help us in our search for truth."

Production support generously provided by the M.E.H Foundation.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2012 season runs until October 28, featuring Much Ado About Nothing; 42nd Street, The Matchmaker; Henry V; You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Pirates of Penzance; A Word or Two; Cymbeline; Wanderlust; Elektra; The Best Brothers; Hirsch and The War of 1812. A 14th production, MacHomer, has concluded its run.

CAST (in alphabetical order)

Aigisthos................................................................................ Graham Abbey

Attendant to Clytemestra....................................................... Alden Adair

Chorus................................................................................... Sarah Afful

Understudy............................................................................ Ian D. Clark

Chorus/Swing......................................................................... Diana Coatsworth

Chrysothemis......................................................................... Laura Condlln

Chorus................................................................................... Jacquelyn French

Chorus................................................................................... Barbara Fulton

Attendant to Clytemestra....................................................... Brad Hodder

Old Man................................................................................. Peter Hutt