Young Benilde thespians stage new version of ancient Greek tragedy

The Gracious Ones, an adaptation of the ancient Greek play The Eumenides, will be staged on 15-18 November 15 by Novel:Theater, a group of young thespians from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance.

The one-act drama, by Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy, follows the story of Orestes after he killed his mother Clytemnestra as revenge for the death of his father, King Agamemnon. The Furies, a race of primordial creatures from the underworld, now hunt him down for his crime of matricide.

Under the guidance of the Greek god Apollo, Orestes is advised to flee to Athens and seek the aid of the Greek goddess Athena. She then calls for a trial between Orestes and the Furies for justice.

The 90-minute show is directed by performer and stage manager Janji Gamboa with performances by Ezra Robles, Rianne Ang, Dim-C Borbon, Dara Estioko, Heleynah Galan, Katrina Gamba, Leann Garin, Kadesha Gumabay, Franchette Montezza, Niezel Nicolas, Erica Prado, Kimberly Villegas, Kiefer Francisco, Edith Garcia, Monica Joslyn, Dave Palomo and Zhevriel Santos.

The Gracious Ones will have shows at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the 6F Black Box of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

Visit www.facebook.com/novel.theater.