THE TRAGEDY OF SOCRATES
A staged reading of a new play by Silvan Rus
Continuing QSE’s tradition of providing space, time, and people for new work to flourish (Bogga, The Centre, The Blood Votes), we are thrilled to bring you a staged reading of The Tragedy of Socrates by Silvan Rus, directed by Shane Pike.
Five years after the surrender of ancient Athens in the cataclysmic Peloponnesian War, Socrates, an Athenian philosopher, is charged with disbelieving the gods and corrupting the youth of his city. The Tragedy of Socrates will bring to life Plato’s philosophical dialogues, in an exciting new verse adaptation by Core Ensemble actor Silvan Rus, portraying the philosopher’s defence in court, his imprisonment, and his death by hemlock.
The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble is proud to present this play in development that asks the question, “why should the truth outweigh our fear of death?” This November, audiences will have the opportunity to support a new work that once in full fruition will show ancient battle, the entangling of international alliances, and a warrior whose enterprise of truth should coin him as the last Athenian.
“The Tragedy of Socrates playwright Silvan Rus proved himself a master of lyrical language in this work, and the amount of meticulous research and understanding incorporated into the play was clear. Lyrical dialogue and clever, funny wordplay made the big philosophical ideas about justice, piety, and democracy not only accessible but also pleasant to listen to.”
“Being a staged reading, all actors read from their scripts but their fundamental understanding of the poetry and rhythm of the language was obvious, and made the dialogue easy and pleasant to listen to.”
Elise Lawrence, Backstreet Brisbane
GALLERY
CAST & CREW
Cast: Ellen Hardisty, Rebecca Murphy, Rob Pensalfini, Dudley Powell, John Siggers, Angus Thorburn
Director: Shane Pike
Playwright: Silvan Rus
Production Manager: Kylii Davies
Stage Manager: Isabella Ross
Dramaturg: Tahlia Downs
Designer: Gabby Carbon
Lighting: Fiona Black
Front Of House Manager: Leah Fitzgerald-Quinn