Agony (ancient reality show)

Helena, Clytaimnéstra, Penelope, Medeia and Kassandra. Women and companions of ancient heroes. While they led states, nations, and wars, and collected the laurels of victory, they stood silently by their side, waiting for their opportunity. Today, they struggle in ancient agony to choose the one who will win the ultimate primacy, the olive branch and perhaps the heart of Hercules, the greatest of heroes.

‍

Who are these women, about whom Homer wrote little, and myth collectors devoted only a few lines to them? Wives, mistresses, mothers, daughters, sisters, servants, but also scientists, witches, seductresses, murderers or “tradwives”. Idealized archetypes, or plastic beings with their own opinions, desires, experiences and problems?

‍

Ancient tragedy turns into reality show. Why did they sign up for Agony, what are they fighting for, and what do they expect from victory? How much do these heroines have in common with today's Helens, Clytaimnéstras, Penelopes, Medeias, and Cassandra? A struggle for power and visibility, for a voice and a rose, or a desperate struggle for sovereignty? But isn't Agony really just a trap set by patriarchy? The life of a woman as an emancipation race to escape from the myth of gender.

‍

Agony (an ancient reality show) is an author's production about the identity of a contemporary woman. Where does the pressure from the outside end and the internal one begin? The past meets the present in the struggle for equality and fair conditions for all at all times. Can our myths be cured?

‍

The production is created in direct collaboration with the members and members of the ensemble HaDivadla using the “devised theatre” method. It draws on Greek mythology according to Robert Graves, various forms of literary reinterpretations of myths, and from a book of essays by Šárka Homfray and Michaela Karásek Čejková Why are we so (at) upset (Wo-men, 2022).

‍