23 and 25 March

“A razor’s edge divides the truth and lies in hindsight.
And in the moment? We have nothing.”

The Trojan story retold by Ukraine’s pioneering feminist writer, Lesia Ukrainka.

Imagine you could see the future, but no one would believe anything you said. This is Cassandra’s fate. Stuck in besieged Troy and knowing exactly how the war will end, Cassandra sees the destruction unfold around her, just as she knew it would.

First published in 1908, Lesia Ukrainka’s poetic drama retells the story of the Trojan war from Cassandra’s perspective. Today, Cassandra continues to speak with uncanny immediacy in the contemporary era of post-truth politics, under the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Presented by Live Canon and the Ukrainian Institute London in an award-winning new translation by Nina Murray.

This production is part of the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture devised jointly by the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute. Presented in Oxford in association with the APGRD and the Oxford University Ukrainian Society.

Director Helen Eastman’s work includes The Cure at Troy (Delphi International Festival &
world tour), Bridgetower (Hackney Empire & UK tour), Fair (Trafalgar Studios) and Bicycle Boy
(GDIF & UK tour). She has also advised on many contemporary productions of Ancient Greek
plays, most recently Kae Tempest’s Paradise at the National Theatre. “It is a privilege to direct the
UK premiere of this iconic feminist play. Sadly, it could not be more resonant or timely” says
Eastman.

Nina Murray is a Ukrainian-American poet and translator. Murray says, “I find the questions of
whose foresight and analysis is to be believed and under what circumstances highly relevant and
compelling. Translating “Cassandra” has been a highlight of my career. Lesia Ukrainka’s language
is incredibly fresh and agile. It virtually vibrates with tension and energy. Every line in this play
does work.” Nina Murray’s other translation work includes best-selling contemporary Ukrainian
writer Oksana Zabuzhko’s The Museum of Abandoned Secrets.

Age guidance: 12+
Contains loud and sudden noises, depiction of violence and war

Post Show Q&A

Join us after the show on Thursday 23 March and the matinee performance Saturday 25 March for a Q&A with the cast and creative team.

Photo credit: David Doyle