THE PERSIANS by Aeschylus Adapted by Robert Auletta at Wisconsin Classic Stage

The first anti-war play in recorded history, reimagined by Robert Auletta to mirror the American Shock and Awe invasion of Iraq.

The empire has fallen. The Persian king is missing. A queen waits for the news that will shatter a nation.

THE PERSIANS Wisconsin Classic Stage presents The Persians, the oldest surviving play in recorded history A groundbreaking ancient tragedy by Aeschylus and adapted with razor-sharp contemporary edge by Robert Auletta.

The Persians dives headfirst into the human wreckage of war, forcing audiences to confront empathy for the "enemy," the perils of hubris, and the enduring arrogance of empires. Written in 472 BCE by Aeschylus, a Greek soldier, wrote the first anti-war play brazenly from the perspective of his countries enemy. Greek audiences were shocked.

Robert Auletta's 1990s adaptation (famously directed by Peter Sellars) transplants the action to the first Gulf War era, casting the Persians as Iraqis and the Greeks as Americans. Modern weaponry, media spin, and imperial arrogance collide with ancient poetry—creating a moral interrogation of power, propaganda, and dehumanization. It has never been more terrifyingly relevant.

Directed by Josh Pohja (Henry V, My Name is Rachel Corrie, The Skin of Our Teeth, Hamlet, All Is Calm), known for creating captivating theatrical events that balance textual integrity with elegant spectacle.

Featured Cast: Milwaukee's Powerhouse Ensemble A dynamic company of twelve local Milwaukee actors brings this epic lament to visceral life:

• Cole Castine as King Xerxes
• George Hartmann as Chorus
• Marvin Hannah Jr. as Chorus
• Maggie Marks as Queen Atossa
• William Molitor as The Ghost of King Darius
• Nahjee Robinson as Chorus Leader
• Ailie Snyder as The Messenger

This is a story about what remains when triumph fails.

Limited capacity 75 seats per night. Three performances only. Performance Details:

• Friday, April 24 at 8:00 PM
• Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 PM
• Sunday, April 26 at 8:00 PM

Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes, no intermission

$2 from every ticket sold directly benefits WarChild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting, educating, and standing up for the rights of children affected by war and armed conflict worldwide.

Reserve your seat here, and learn more at wisconsinclassicstage.com.

THE PERSIANS is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC www.broadwayplaypublishing.com. Originally produced at the Salzburg Festival, Austria.