Lotophagi Theatre Company presents

Synopsis:

Lotophagi Theatre Company brings you a brand new adaptation of an Ancient Greek Tragedy: Euripides' Bacchae! It’s the height of the psychedelic 60s and Pentheus, a cynical and jaded young man, believes he is being intentionally tormented by the new-age cult of Dionysus. Taking place over the course of a singular day, this play follows Pentheus as he comes to terms with his mother’s decision to abandon him in favour of joining the cult. Dionysus may claim to be a god, but that is the one thing our tragic protagonist is itching to prove wrong, even if he destroys himself in the process. Pentheus is the story of a young man surrounded by sex, drugs, and social change, exposing the confusion that may lie behind the barricades of learned, self-destructive behaviours.

Lotophagi Theatre Company aims to make ancient texts and their performances more accessible to all audiences. In the past decade, there has been a surge of popularity in Ancient Greek mythology. However, there is still a widespread belief that original texts and their translations are inaccessible. Luckily, in recent years, there has been a push to abandon this idea of exclusivity and LTC wants to make a difference in this movement. Theatre from any time period, region, or authorship should not be exclusive. It is the company's belief that the performing arts should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Pentheus is just one step in the right direction.

Writer and Director Ella Harpaz-Joralemon has previously worked on multiple productions and adaptations of Ancient Greek Theatre in the past, such as Oedipus Tyrannus (ADC Theatre, 2024), Antigone: The Musical (Edinburgh Fringe, 2022), The Cambridge Greek Play (Cambridge Arts Theatre, 2022), and an original sketch show based on Homer's Iliad. Producers Shaira Berg and Sarah Walton-Smith, alongside their extensive experience, have recently earned a nomination for The Offies for their production of Gaslight (Camden Fringe, 2023).