36th Annual Classical Greek Theatre Festival Elektra by Euripides in a new, acclaimed translation by Kenneth McLeish Directed by Hugh Hanson   Sept. 16-17, 23-24, 2006 at 9 AM   Location: Under the trees Northeast of Simmons Pioneer Theatre

A stark tale of the vengeance of Elektra and Orestes for the murder of their father Agamemnon by their mother Klytemnestra and her lover. A sequel to last year’s U of U Classical Greek Theatre Festival production, Iphigenia in Aulis.

The 36^th Classical Greek Theatre Festival (CGTF) presents Euripides’ Elektra. Performances will be at 9 a.m. two weekends in September—the 16^thand 17^th, and the 23^rd and 24^th, 2006. In classic Greek style, the performances will be held outdoors in the early morning, this year on the lawn northeast of the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre on the University of Utah campus.  Pre-performance lectures are at 8:30 a.m. at the site, given by the Festival’s founder, producer, and dramaturg, Professor James Svendsen.

Elektra tells the story of King Agamemnon’s children, Elektra and Orestes, and their quest for vengeance on the perpetrators of their father’s murder—their mother Klytemnestra and her lover, the new king.  Euripides’ version presents two anti-heroes—the neurotic, unbalanced Elektra and her cowardly brother Orestes—in a world where the differences between good people and bad people are not always clear.  The play questions the traditional values of the time, which judged a man by his wealth, status, and position. This year’s production features original music, set and costumes with an “ethnic peasant” motif —think Appalachia!

Sponsored by the Utah Arts Council, Utah Humanities Council, Salt Lake Arts Council, the Zoo, Arts, and Parks Program, the Thomas D. Dee Foundation, and the University of Utah Department of Theatre the CGTF is the longest running and largest festival of Classical Greek Theatre in the country.   The opportunity to enjoy classical Greek theatre live, in its original format, is rare.  Don’t miss this exciting production.

Audiences should remember to bring blankets to this outdoor venue. In the event of rain, the performance will be moved to the Libby Gardner Hall on the campus of the University. Tickets for the performance are $12 general admission, $9 for U of U faculty and staff, and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Kingsbury Box Office, 581-7100, or www.kingtix.com.

ticket information