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Digital festival of reimagined Greek myths exploring contemporary issues to be held in April

Arrows & Traps presents a free digital season of five reimagined Greek myths this Spring, Talking Gods, running from 5-9 April.

Classic Greek tales have been reworked to present snapshots of the modern world, with one play premiering every night, followed by a live Q&A on Zoom. The plays will then remain online for free.

Writer Ross McGregor uses the Greek myths to look at vital contemporary issues in his five plays, some of which have been heightened during the pandemic.

Exploring climate change, Persephone is a touching story of sisterhood; whilst Orpheus is about control and  toxicity, self-sacrifice and freedom. Pygmalion looks at the growth of artificial intelligence in an ever-more isolating world; with Aphrodite, exploring gender identity and acceptance. Finally, Icarus is a poignant physical theatre piece about the  bonds between fathers and sons.  

McGregor said: “2020 delivered a large blow to the theatre industry. We were closed  down and told to stop telling stories, and to wait for the day when we were allowed to create  again. After nine months, now is the time to return. In the opening of a new year, we are all  looking forward to the future and we thought it would be an interesting time to look back to  where drama first began – with the Greek myths. We have reimagined them so that they’re not  just a testament to where we came from, but a look to where we’re going. We want to tell a  message of understanding and hope, that we’re not as alone as 2020 made us all feel.”

Talking Gods will be rehearsed and recorded at Jack Studio Theatre, where the award-winning Arrows & Traps are the associate company.

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