HERCULESE PROJECT PHOTO VIA TIMUCUA
Timucua Arts Foundation (Website) will present three performances of ancient Greek tragedies adapted to support veterans and first responders dealing with trauma, June 19-21, in collaboration with The Hercules Project, a Central Florida nonprofit. The organization uses Greek tragedies as a therapeutic approach to help veterans and first responders with PTSD, coping, and community building. The performances feature abridged translations with dance and live popular music, including songs by Led Zeppelin, Cream, the Kinks, The Band, Santana, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Howlin’ Wolf, and The Reverend Gary Davis.
Sean Lake, a Classics scholar and Valencia College professor, founded The Hercules Project after recognizing that Greek tragedy was originally a form of cultural therapy for veterans and audiences traumatized by war. The project now partners with psychologists, mental health counselors, and the Orlando VA based on the work of Veterans Affairs psychiatrist Jonathan Shay.
Each performance includes an introduction, a dramatized reading of a Greek tragedy, a chorus with singing and dancing, a panel of veterans, and an interactive audience discussion.
The three performances will include:
- The Persians: Lost With a Single Stroke by Aeschylus on Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m., which tells the story of the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC from the perspective of the ancient Iranians who suffered defeat by the Athenians.
- Ajax: Suffering That Needs the Knife by Sophocles on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m., which follows the story of Ajax’s suicide after the Trojan War hero was betrayed by Greek leaders and comrades.
- Hercules Endurance Beyond All by Euripides on Sunday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m., which depicts Hercules grappling with the traumatic effects of war after returning home and dealing with fits of madness after killing his wife and children.
Timucua is also offering additional events in June related to healing, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Pulse tragedy:
- Timucua Talks: CathARTic Healing Through Creation on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. features a panel discussion on PTSD and how engaging with the arts helps cope with trauma.
- ICEBERG: Contemporary Art Music Project & Hub New Music on Friday, June 12 at noon and 2 p.m. features Tampa-based musicians and Hub New Music performing 21st century repertoire.
- Meditation for Peace with Puja on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. offers guided meditation blending ancient wisdom with modern mindfulness.
- Authentic Selves Poetry Open Mic on Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. invites attendees to share poetry on Pulse Remembrance or any topic.
More information is available at Timucua Arts Foundation’s website.
