Theater of War: Philoctetes took place in front of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial—featuring acclaimed actors and a chorus of veterans—to commemorate its 10th anniversary in Washington D.C.
Theater of War is an innovative project that presents acclaimed actors and veterans performing scenes from Sophocles’ Philoctetes—an ancient play about a young man who is sent to betray a decorated warrior who has been abandoned on a desolate island—as a catalyst for facilitated discussions about healing the visible and invisible wounds of war. Using Sophocles’ play to forge a common vocabulary for dialogue, these events are aimed at generating compassion, understanding, awareness, and connection.
This special presentation was broadcast from Washington DC in front of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial to commemorate its 10th Anniversary. Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Featuring performances by Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), David Strathairn (Lincoln, Good Night and Good Luck.), Ato Blankson-Wood (Hamlet, When They See Us) and a chorus of veterans from the DAV community including: Ryan Burgos (Air Force and Army veteran, DAV Deputy Inspector General), Dan Clare (Marine and Air Force veteran, DAV Chief Communications and Outreach Officer), Daniel Contreras (Army veteran, DAV National Commander), Nancy Espinosa (Army, Reserve and National Guard veteran, DAV’s Past National Commander and Chairperson of the Board), Justin Hart (Army veteran, DAV’s Assistant National Service Director), Cynthia Madison (Army veteran, DAV National 2nd Junior Vice Commander), Naomi Mathis (Air Force veteran, DAV Assistant National Legislative Director), Kevin Miller (Marine veteran, DAV Assistant National Communications Director), David Riley (Army and Coast Guard veteran, DAV Past National Commander and Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation board member), and Anthony Swofford (Marine veteran, Author of Jarhead).
Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
Produced by Marjolaine Goldsmith.
