Theater of War Productions Presents PROMETHEA IN PRISON

Promethea in Prison is an innovative public health project that stages readings of Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound, an ancient Greek play about a god who is imprisoned for stealing fire from Zeus and giving it to humans. The dramatic reading is used as a catalyst for powerful discussions about the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities whose lives have been touched by the criminal justice system. For the past decade, this groundbreaking project has been performed to encourage dialogue in a variety of settings throughout the country and the world.

Promethea in Prison will take place on Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre stage on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Tickets are available at the official source to purchase Wharton Center tickets online, whartoncenter.com; at the Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office; or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.

The cast for Promethea in Prison will include:

Sonja Sohn - Promethea

• Sohn is best known for her roles as Detective Kima Greggs on the HBO drama The Wire and Detective Samantha Baker on the ABC series Body of Proof.

Deirdre Lovejoy - Hephaestus and Oceanus

• Lovejoy is known for her role on the HBO drama The Wire, as Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman.

Linda Powell - Kratos and Hermes

• Powell has had a long career of roles in film and television, most notably as Ingrid Mills on Chicago Fire. She also has worked extensively in theatre, starring on Broadway in revivals of Wilder, Wilder, Wilder and On Golden Pond.

Marjolaine Goldsmith - Chorus of Oceanids

• Goldsmith is both an actor and company manager. She also serves as producer of TAPE, Theater of War Productions' sexual assault project.

Dominic Dupont - Facilitator and Community Liaison

• At the age of nineteen Dominic was arrested, charged and convicted of murder. He was sentenced to a prison term of 25 years to life. After serving 20 years, 7 months, and 18 days in the New York State prison system, Dominic was granted an executive clemency in December 2017, based on his leadership and positive impact within the prison system. Since his release, Dominic has shared his story, experiences, and analysis across multiple venues and to a variety of audiences, including Vice and HBO's documentary titled Raised in the System.

As punishment for giving fire to mankind, Zeus sentences Promethea to be chained to a rock at the end of the world for eternity. She remains steadfast in the righteousness of her cause throughout her punishment. This unique, participatory twist on the ancient myth highlights interplay between confrontation and compassion.

Since its founding in 2009, Theater of War Productions has facilitated events for over 100,000 people, presenting 22 different tailored programs targeted to diverse communities across the globe. The company works with leading film, theater, and television actors to present dramatic readings of seminal plays - from classical Greek tragedies to modern and contemporary works. The readings are followed by town hall-style discussions designed to confront social issues by drawing out raw and personal reactions to themes highlighted in the plays and underscoring how they resonate with contemporary audiences. The guided discussions break down stigmas and invite audience members to share their perspectives and experiences, helping to foster empathy, compassion, and an understanding of deeply complex issues.

The reading will be followed by a town hall style discussion facilitated by Bryan Doerries and Dominic Dupont.