The Foreign Office and Wild Yak
Theatre as it was meant to be — alive, shared and unforgettable!
In classical Athens drama came in a four-pack: three tragedies and a satyr play. But that tradition has been lost. This summer, over the magic of the solstice weekend, we will revive as ancient ritual at the Gulbenkian.
Following the success of Part 1: The Suppliant Women (2021) and Part 2: The Sons of Aegyptos (2023) we are delighted to present the next stage in the reimagining of Aeschylus’ long-lost DANAÏDS play series.
Scratch-performances of the newly written Part 3: The Daughters of Danaos, are part of a solstice weekend where you can start to experience the full myth as it was meant to be — alive, shared and unforgettable, with workshops, talks, screenings, performances, and plenty of food and wine.
Please note that this is the first opportunity to see the tetralogy as one. But these are new, scratch performances hot off the press and still in development, so performers will be reading from scripts.
See the 4 plays and enjoy a greek inspired dinner for just £25 for the day.
The Programme:
12:00 – The Opening Ceremony
13:00 – Lunch break
14:00 – Part One: The Suppliant Women by Aeschylus
A semi-staged performance of the original ancient play that begins the mythic journey—fifty women flee forced marriage and arrive seeking asylum in Greece, pleading for protection in a foreign land. Featuring a chorus of young women from The American College of Greece.
15:30 – Tea break
16:30 – Part Two: Egyptians by David Greig, after Aeschylus
A gripping presentation of the men’s side of the myth—their pursuit, entitlement, and the rising tension that foreshadows a reckoning. Featuring a chorus of young men from London South Bank University.
18:00 – Supper will be provided as part of your ticket
19:30 – Part Three: Danaïds by David Greig, after Aeschylus
The daughters make their fateful decision. A story of resistance, consequence, and the struggle for justice, presented as a scratch performance at the heart of the weekend. Featuring a chorus of young women from London South Bank University.
21:00 – Drinks break
22:00 – Part Four: Amymone by David Greig, after Aeschylus
A brand-new imagining of the final, redemptive act of the story—where water returns to the land, and love might offer a path to healing. Featuring a chorus of young men from London South Bank University
Tickets
Book a Big Greekender Day Ticket to experience the entire journey, or book individual events if you’d like to dip into specific parts of the story.