Family feuds that lead to wars

Many are familiar with the story of Helen who runs away from her husband Menelaus to go off with the Trojan Paris, sparking the 10-year Trojan wars in the process.

Less familiar perhaps is the story of her sister, Clytemnestra, and her husband Agamemnon. But this does not make their story any less important; indeed it is the subject of this complete Greek trilogy.

For many, Greek plays are strange indecipherable texts, but as Theatre Anon actors have been finding out in their rehearsals, the Oresteian trilogy, and in particular Agamemnon, is an exciting, visceral experience which speaks to modern audiences in a very direct and dramatic way.

It is no surprise therefore to learn that in the last century Agamemnon is one of the most performed plays in the Greek repertoire and that the trilogy has been the source of inspirations of some of the leading dramatists and poets including Eugene O'Neil, Ted Hughes and Steven Berkoff.

And it is Steven Berkoff's modern version of the play that has formed the basis of this production directed by Paul Portelli.

Agamemnon looks at the days before and after the Trojan wars. In a series of flashbacks and fast forwards, it uncovers the terrible curse of the house of Atreus, a curse brought about by brotherly hate and which culminates in the death of Agamemnon's daughter, Agamemnon and his mistress Cassandra.

Written in a colloquial but vigorous style, the play allows for Theatre Anon's trademark style of theatre which revels in many striking visual images without losing sight of the text.

The production also boasts original music by Paul Portelli, Renzo Spiteri, Jes Psaila, Sarah Spiteri and Albert Garzia, who also perform on the nights.

The cast includes theatre stalwarts such as Charlotte Grech, Pierre Stafrace, Paul Portelli, Liliana Portelli, Victor Debono, Edward Mercieca, Tony Attard and Sandra Mifsud. There are also newcomers: Miriam Galea, Kurt Castillo, Marie Claire Camilleri and Michela Spiteri.

Pierre Portelli, one of Malta's leading installation artists, will also be providing a visual interpretation to the evening.

Agamemnon will be performed between March 10 and 12 and March 17 to 19 at MITP, in Valletta.

Booking is open from St James Centre on 2122 3216 or by sending an e-mail to boxoffice@sjcav.org.