The Bloomsburg University Players performed the Greek tragedy “These Women of Troy” at Alvin Krause Theatre this past weekend from March 6-9. The stage play, written by Joe Stollenwerk, is an adaptation of Euripides’ “The Trojan Women” written in 415 B.C. It was directed by Dr. Carrie Winship, Associate Director of Theatre and Dance at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg.
“These Women of Troy” depicts the destroyed city of Troy after a decade of intense conflict. The women of Troy, stranded on a remote shore near the city’s ruins, reflect on their uncertain, dismal futures. Stollenwerk’s adaptation uses modern language and teaches key elements of the familiar tragedy of Troy, as well as Greek mythology, and challenges audiences to reflect on how women and violence have historically correlated.
“We tend to lose history,” stated Ymani Marseille-Garcia, who played Helen. “We want to tell this story to this generation.” Marseille-Garcia, a Theatre major with a performance emphasis, researched intensively for her role by studying multiple adaptations of Euripides’ piece, in order to convey the rich emotions the character of Helen is suited for. She believes Helen was as manipulative and strategic as she was beautiful, and urged the audience to consider whether she was a hero or a queen of destruction.
“The Alvin Krause theater is midsize,” Thomas Halko explained. “It’s close enough for the audience to feel connected with the stage, and what’s happening.” Halko was the play’s Hair, Makeup, and Masks Designer, and is responsible for the gold, tin, and terracotta painted masks the cast wore onstage. In preparation for his work, Halko created mood boards as a starting point – then used thermoplastic material as a mold for each of the cast’s faces. Each mask was crafted for each character and displayed differences in wealth among the cast. He’s most proud of Helen’s mask, which features a delicate rose piece.
The crew member, a double major in Theatre and Media and Journalism with a minor in Music, has played mostly technician and audio roles in BU Players productions since Fall 2022’s ‘A Year with Frog and Toad,’ and was excited to have a new perspective this semester with costume design.
The BU Players department is small, but allows for connection to foster between the cast and crew. “They are family to me,” Marseille-Garcia explained. “The stability and bond you get, from people you can count on – it’s a gift.” The production’s cast of 16 students and crew of 15 spent countless hours rehearsing and working to produce the stage play. With how much time BU Players students spend with each other, their good relations are not surprising.
“Tears [were] falling on the floor (during the play),” said Marseille-Garcia.
The Bloomsburg University Players is the division of Theatre and Dance at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg. Membership and participation are open to all current students regardless of major, and auditions are held every semester.
Tickets for upcoming productions will be available at the Arts in Bloom Box Office in Haas Center for the Arts, or at the Alvin Krause Theatre box office one hour before curtain. Current students can acquire free tickets with their Student ID card, while tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and non-CU students.
For more information about the BU Players, contact Prof. David A. Miller at [email protected].
