Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida is a modern marvel that tests the boundaries of genre, and challenges audiences with its fascinating swerves and ambiguous treatment of love, honour, value, and war.
A story that feels all too contemporary, this shocking epic will offer audiences a new perspective on the well-known story of the Trojan War, shining a light on contemporary perspectives on war and valour with brilliant edge and satirical bite.
What is the play about?
Set during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida recounts the love affair of its title characters. Inside the besieged city of Troy, the Trojan prince Troilus is lovesick for Cressida. Cressida is drawn to Troilus, too, and her uncle, Pandarus, brings them together.
It is known is known for its cynical tone and complex exploration of love, honor, and war. For instance, the play questions whether romantic love can survive in a world of war and political obligation. As well, it looks at the futility of war… in other words, its uselessness in the grand scheme of life.
Photo by Matt Nish-Lapidus
Casting
The production stars real-life couple Deivan Steele and Breanne Tice as the titular lovers, and brings a trio of Stratford Festival stars to Toronto: Austin Eckert Jordin Hall, and Andrew Iles are Diomedes, Hector, and Achilles.
They are joined by BASH’d Co-Artistic Director Julia Nish-Lapidus as the cynic Thersites, Geoffrey Armour as Pandarus, BASH’d stalwarts Jennifer Dzialoszynski, David Mackett, and Kate Martin are Ulysses, Nestor/Priam, and Helen/Cassandra/Alexandra.
The cast is rounded out by Felix Beauchamp as Patroclus, Isaiah Kolundzic as Agamemnon, Adriano Reis as Ajax, Rianna Persaud as Aeneas, and Ben Yoganathan as Paris/Menelaus.
Under the direction of BASH’d Co-Artistic Director James Wallis, with fight direction by Jennifer Dzialoszynski, stage management by M Fera, sound design by Matt Nish-Lapidus, and associate director Kate Martin.
Interview with Breanne Tice & Deivan Steele
The lead actors talk about preparing for this Shakepeare production, their understanding of the main themes and their relevance.
During this interview, Tice and Steele make reference to their other passion project, The Assembly, an interactive ‘theatre meets board game’ about learning more about democracy and building empathy for future generations. You can learn more about this project here.
Showtimes
Returning to The Theatre Centre after three-years of sold-out runs, Shakespeare BASH’d gives audiences the opportunity to experience this rarely-produced classic, performed by an all-star company of some of the country’s top performers.
Performances of Troilus and Cressida run from January 29 to February 8. Tickets are selling fast and are available online at shakespearebashd.com.
