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GCC Theatre Brings 2,400 Year Old Text to Life

BAKKHAI Reflects the Ageless Struggle for Power

Batavia, NY (09/27/2018) — The Genesee Community College Forum Players will perform "BAKKHAI" - Anne Carson's new version of "The Bacchae" which was written over 2,400 years ago by Greek philosopher, Euripides. Performances will be held October 19 and October 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. and October 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. in GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre.

The original, "The Bacchae" was one of the last plays Euripides wrote and it won first prize in 405BC when it was posthumously performed for the first time. Anne Carson's version weaves this harrowing myth and its tragic ending into the 21st century.

"BAKKHAI" tells the tale of the Greek god Dionysos - the god of wine, ritual madness, fertility, theatre and religious ecstasy. He has come to the mortal realm to bring his subversive rituals to the ancient city of Thebes. But when King Pentheus denies his holy lineage, Dionysos vows to prove his power and brings war upon the city. He drives the city's women to madness and violence while King Pentheus struggles to regain order.

"This show is about power, those who seek it and those who deny it," Brodie McPherson, GCC's instructor of Theatre Technology said. "Like a sick game of cat and mouse, Dionysos allows Pentheus to believe he has power over him, plotting his rebellion all the while. This show effectively plays with dialogue to seamlessly bring the ancient text into our modern world."

Parental guidance for children under 16 years of age is strongly recommended as this show contains mature subject matter including sexual content, violence and death. The Stuart Steiner Theatre will be arranged similar to a black box format, giving the limited audience of just 144 seats the more intimate viewing of the performance.

Due to the limited number of seats, advance reservations are strongly recommended! Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Stay tuned for the complete cast listing and a cast photo in full costume!

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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