MEDIA ADVISORY: MU to Commemorate 9/11 with ‘Theater of War’ Performance of Sophocles’ Ajax

Goal of performance is to facilitate discussions about the visible and invisible wounds of war

Story Contact(s):
Jesslyn Chew, ChewJ@missouri.edu

By Sarah Clinton

WHAT: On Sept. 11, the University of Missouri and the Missouri National Guard will host the Theater of War: Soldiers & Citizens Tour as it presents dramatic readings of  Sophocles’ Ajax — an ancient Greek tragedy about the suicide of a respected warrior.

The tour is traveling across the United States in order to facilitate discussions about the visible and invisible wounds of war. The performance is designed to increase awareness of the challenges faced by military personnel and improve resource access for current service members, veterans and their families.

The event is sponsored by multiple MU entities, including the School of Social Work, School of Medicine, Trulaske College of Business, Department of Theatre, Department of Classical Studies, Department of Psychological Sciences and the MU Veterans Center.

The tour is operated by Outside the Wire, a social impact company that uses theater to address social and public health problems affecting communities. It is funded by a two-year grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb foundation, which was awarded to Outside the Wire and its partners, which include the Massachusetts General Hospital Academy, National Council for Behavioral Health and volunteer organization Points of Light.

WHO: Actors include Brent Harris (The Lion King) and Chinasa Ogbuagu (Law & Order)

WHERE: Rhynsberger Theatre, University of Missouri

WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11

NOTE: Admission is free, but seating is limited. To reserve seats, visit:  www.UMTheaterofWar.eventbrite.com.

For more information on Outside the Wire and the Soldiers & Citizens Tour, visit: www.outsidethewirellc.com/projects/theater-of-war/soldiers-citizens-tour.