Trojan War puts playful spin on history

Are the jealousies of men the cause of all wars? College senior Alexandra Lopez examined this question last night in the opening of the play she translated and directed, The Trojan War Will Not Take Place. The play chronicles the events preceding the Trojan War from the perspective of Troy. Within this re-creation, Lopez probes the role of women, the necessity of war and control over the destiny of humanity. Many of the play's most socially insightful lines were lost amidst a few long and involved scenes, but it is well worth the occasional boredom. The play is rich with timely political themes and a relevant feminism emerges. The scene is ancient Troy and Paris has stolen the beautiful Helen from the Greeks. The Greeks regard Helen as the symbol of their power, so war is inevitable unless Helen is returned. Tensions rise as the Trojan men, led by Hector, eagerly prepare to exhibit their deadly prowess, while the women of Troy strain to close the Gates of War permanently. The superb acting ability of College junior Christopher Wilkes, as Hector, and College sophomore Robby Steinman, as Paris, transport their characters from ancient Troy into recognizable figures of modern society. The most entertaining lines of the evening, though, were reserved for junior Simone Elliot, who portrays the witty and acerbic Cassandra. English professor Zell Kravinsky lauded the performance, describing Elliot as "a natural comedienne." In the second act, when the setting and costumes change to the 1930s, the play's message begins to transcend time. Here, the stereotypical military character Hector begins to wrestle with the hypocrisy of war and control of his own destiny. Cassandra best summarizes the play's feminist theme, explaining, "I don't see or foresee. I only take into account two elements: the stupidity of man and the stupidity of the elements." The Trojan War Will Not Take Place, written by Jean Giraudoux, was translated by Lopez for her senior thesis. "There was as much of a translation from French to English as from English to performance text," Lopez said. "This play takes characters from the Illiad and gives them life, humor, and vitality," she said. "I think, in general, the audience should question the status quo and the way people expect things to go. There are other ways [instead of war], more positive alternatives. Selfishness shouldn't be a part of the process." The Trojan War Will Not Take Place runs through February 20 at the Annenberg Studio Theatre. Tickets are $5 and are available on Locust Walk and at the Annenberg Box Office.