Seasonal Event

The Bacchae by Euripides
Directed by Granada Artist-in-Residence Barry McGovern
Translated by Derek Mahon

The Bacchae by Euripides

Main Theatre, Wright Hall

Thu-Sat, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 & Dec. 6-8 | 8pm
Sun, Dec. 2 | 2pm
General $17/19
Students, Children & Seniors $12/14

Stage and screen actor Barry McGovern known for his roles in Far and Way, Braveheart, Joe Verus the Volcano and Waiting for Godot directs the famous Greek tragedy The Bacchae depicting a mortal struggle between the twin forces of control and freedom. Dionysus, god of wine and revelry, aided by his wild Bacchae followers, locks horns with King Pentheus of Thebes in a violent power struggle of great confusion and madness.

This translation of The Bacchae by distinguished Irish poet Derek Mahon is very modern in tone and richly comedic without weakening the tragedy. McGovern’s direction brings the classic close to home with Dionysus portrayed as a rock star, the Bacchae chorus outfitted as American cheerleaders, Agave’s followers as dominatrixes, and soldiers dressed in contemporary uniform.

This production is rated PG-13 for language and violent images.

 

 

Press release

Granada Artist Directs Greek Classic With Rock ‘N’ Roll Flair At UC Davis

UC Davis Granada Artist-in-Residence Barry McGovern, known for his screen and stage roles in “Far and Away,”  “Joe Versus the Volcano” and “Waiting for Godot,” directs Euripides’ classic “The Bacchae” with original rock music, humor, dominatrixes and cheerleaders. A wickedly sexy Dionysus locks horns with King Pentheus in a violent power struggle between freedom and control. “The Bacchae” opens on Thursday, Nov. 29 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 8 at Main Theatre, Wright Hall.

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