u3a Special Offer: DANAÏDS: The Big Greekender
| Event type: | Summer Programme |
| Date: | 19th June 2025 |
| Duration: | 3 days |
| Until: | 21st June 2025 |
| Group: | Cinema Group |
| Venue: | Gulbenkian Arts Centre |
| Cost: | £5 for members |
| Booking: | Note that booking is required. |
Thu 19 - Sun 22 Jun
In classical Athens, drama came in a four-pack: three tragedies and a satyr play. Over the magic of the solstice weekend we will revive this ancient ritual once again.
Following the success of The Suppliant Women (2021) and The Sons of Aegyptos (2023) we are delighted to present the next stage in the reimagining of Aeschylus’ long-lost DANAÏDS play series, following the Daughters of Danaeos to the story’s conclusion.
These are newly restored plays so expect simple, scratch performances, but this is an unmissable chance to experience the full myth as it was meant to be — alive, shared across a day - and with plenty of food and wine.
Newly created by the same team of playwright David Greig, composer John Browne, director Ramin Gray and choreographer Sasha Milavić Davies, these performances of The Daughters of Danaos form the centrepiece of a solstice festival weekend. Experience the full myth as it was meant to be — alive, shared and unforgettable — now with workshops, talks, screenings, performances, and plenty of food and wine.
This the first opportunity to see the tetralogy since 463 BC. Since these are new, scratch performances, still in development, performers will be reading from scripts and, at times, improvising. But, come in a spirit of curiosity and engagement and you will be richly rewarded.
The DANAÏDS Programme:
Thursday 19 June – be the first to see the final part of the trilogy.
19:30 – Part Three: The Daughters of Danaos after Aeschylus
Friday 20 June – Two performances on one ticket
18:00 – Part One: The Suppliant Women by Aeschylus
20:00 – Part Three: The Daughters of Danaos after Aeschylus
Saturday 21 June – The Big Greekender! The full ‘box set’ of performances, interspersed with drinks and food breaks.
14:00 – Part One: The Suppliant Women by Aeschylus
16:30 – Part Two: The Sons of Aegyptos after Aeschylus
18:00 – Supper provided as part of your ticket
19:30 – Part Three: The Daughters of Danaos after Aeschylus
22:00 – Part Four: Amymone after Aeschylus
Sunday 22 June – Symposium & Orestes
12.30 – Lunch and Symposium
16:00 – Orestes by Euripides in Ancient Greek with English subtitles
Tickets
You can book tickets to individual events, or select the Big Greekender Day Ticket to experience the entire journey on our Greekender Saturday.
Dates & times
Thu 19 - Sun 22 June 2025
U3A Members can get individual show tickets for only £5, using the usual U3A code