Written in 467 BC, Seven Against Thebes is the New York premiere of a fresh translation of Aeschylus’ classic by NEA recipient Aaron Poochigian. This rarely performed play begins with the city of Thebes preparing for an invasion led by seven warriors as their leader Eteocles, tries to silence the protests of the city’s women. The Faux-Real Theatre Company spins the Greek tradition of all-male theatre on its head by presenting this classic with an all-female cast of twelve. Clad in platform shoes, larger-than-life masks, and a chariot-full of colorful costumes, these actresses revel in song, dance and combat, as Aeschylus's words find new meaning in the mouths of these feisty females. The play ends with a post-mortem visit from Oedipus’ daughter Antigone, as Aeschylus chisels an early exploration into the modern themes of gender politics and the negative impact of war.
New York City, NY; NYC