Fifty women, escaping from forced marriage, are forced to leave their homeland in North Africa to board a boat and flee across the Mediterranean to seek asylum in Greece.

No, not a news article from last week. Written 2,500 years ago by the Greek playwright Aeschylus, The Suppliant Women is one of the world’s oldest plays, which will open the 60th Anniversary Dublin Theatre festival at the Gaiety Theatre. This is a story about the plight of refugees, moral and human rights, civil war, democracy and ultimately, the triumph of love - a tale that echoes down the ages to find striking and poignant resonance today.

Earlier this year, an open call went out inviting anyone over 16 to apply to be part of this major production on the Gaiety stage.

There was a huge community response and now over 50 people from Dublin - many of whom have never acted before - are in final rehearsals to be part of this internationally acclaimed production.

In Aeschylus’ original text, fifty women flee across the Mediterranean to escape forced marriages. They appeal for protection and asylum in Greece, placing their fates in the hands of its citizens. It is one of the oldest surviving plays in existence and a story for our troubled times. The Suppliant Women prompts wide-ranging conversations about citizenship, politics and history, and is a fitting opening production for Dublin Theatre Festival’s landmark 60th anniversary programme. The production has garnered excellent reviews and was acclaimed by audiences on its premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, and subsequently in Belfast and Manchester.

The 60th Anniversary Dublin Theatre Festival will run from 28 Sept – 15 Oct in venues across Dublin city, showcasing a selection of the best of Irish and international work. For more details see www.dublintheatrefestival.com

The Suppliant Woman is produced by: Actors Touring Company and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Venue: Gaiety Theatre
Previews: Sept 27, 7.30pm Dates: Sept 28 & 29, 7.30pm; Sept 30, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Oct 1, 2.30pm Tickets: €15 - €45