Blackbird Theatre presents

Euripides’ HECUBA

A new adaptation by George McWhirter

December 29 – January 12, 2007
Vancouver East Cultural Centre

From the creative team responsible for last season’s award-winning production of Ibsen’s Peer Gynt comes one of the year’s most anticipated theatre events: Blackbird Theatre’s production of Euripides’ Hecuba. John Wright directs a superb all-female cast: Linda Quibell in the title role, with Anna Cummer, Lesley Ewen, Carmen Grant, Mia Ingimundson, Nicola Lipman and Laara Sadiq.

Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, Euripides’ Hecuba is a powerful reminder of the ancient truth that violent conflict and retribution are a plague on the planet. “This may be the clearest and most profound statement on that subject that has ever been written,” says John Wright. “The play comes to us in a clear voice from 2,500 years ago, reverberating with a passion, intelligence and moral courage that should be heard by all who value life and fear for the future of humankind.”

Commissioned by Blackbird Theatre, Vancouver Poet Laureate George McWhirter has produced a richly expressive yet accessible text that retains the power and dramatic range of Euripides’ original. With set, costume and mask design by Marti Wright, projections by Tim Matheson, lighting by John Webber, musical direction by Wendy Stuart (drawing from the ‘chest singing’ tradition of eastern European women, Japanese Noh drama and the ululations of Muslim women), and movement design by Wendy Gorling and Heidi Specht, Blackbird’s production promises to be a gripping, dynamic interpretation of one of Ancient Greece’s most vitally modern plays.

Euripides’ Hecuba also features production management by Mélissa Powell, technical direction by Jayson McLean and stage management by Noa Anatot.

Evening shows at 8 pm except Tuesdays and Sundays; $20 Matinees Dec. 30, Jan. 5, 6, 12 at 2 pm
Pay-What-You-Can Preview Dec. 28 at 8 pm / No show Dec. 31
TICKETS at ticketmaster.ca or 604.280.3311
$30 / $20 (matinees) / $15 (students with valid ID) plus applicable service charges