The Montford Park Players, North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare Festival opens Troilus and Cressida (a story of the Trojan War) on Friday, July 30. Troilus and Cressida is set during the later years of the Trojan War, faithfully following the plotline of the Iliad from Achilles’ refusal to participate in battle to Hector’s death.
Essentially, two plots are followed in this play. In one, Troilus, a Trojan prince (son of Priam), woos Cressida, another Trojan. They have sex, professing their undying love, before Cressida is exchanged for a Trojan prisoner of war. As he attempts to visit her in the Greek camp, Troilus glimpses Diomedes flirting with his beloved Cressida, and decides to avenge her perfidy. The majority of the play revolves around the leaders of the Greek and Trojan forces, Agamemnon and Priam. Agamemnon and his cohorts attempt to get the proud Achilles to return to battle and face Hector, who sends the Greeks a letter telling them of his willingness to engage in one-on-one combat with a Greek soldier. Ajax is originally chosen as this combatant, but makes peace with Hector before they are able to fight. Achilles is prompted to return to battle only after his friend and (according to some of the Greeks) lover, Patroclus, is killed by Hector before the Trojan walls. A series of skirmishes conclude the play, during which Achilles catches Hector and has the Myrmidons kill him. The conquest of Troy is left unfinished, as the Trojans learn of the death of their beloved hero.
According to Jason Williams, director: “If Laurence Oliver’s film of Henry V was a reflection of the attitude toward war during WWII, Troilus and Cressida would definitely reflect more of our modern attitudes toward war, following Vietnam. It’s no wonder that Troilus and Cressida has become far more appreciated in the Twentieth Century. Its ideas of love and war seem far more modern than any of Shakespeare’s other plays.”
John Russell, managing director of the theatre, commented, “In presenting Troilus and Cressida, we’re fulfilling our mission statement, part of which is to stage every one of Shakespeare’s plays and to give the audience the opportunity to enjoy the amazing body of literature that sprang from the genius of William Shakespeare. This play, while much less familiar than his masterworks, is still a remarkable story, and will be a treat to watch.”
Troilus and Cressida is rated PG-13 for violence, language and sexual situations. Performances are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 22. All performances are at 7:30 pm and are free to the public. Donations will be taken during intermission.
For more information please visit www.montfordparkplayers.org, email info@montfordparkplayers.org or call the box office at (828) 254-5146.
