"...Developing *Agamemnon* has been a journey of exploration and connection. It’s about bringing ancient wisdom into dialogue with contemporary struggles. Ultimately, we are all part of this narrative, and through theater, we can explore our shared humanity, reflecting on the timeless themes of war, greed, and the moral complexities that accompany them...
...I am deeply committed to projects that address children’s rights and human rights. My recent works aim to give voice to those often unheard, using theater as a platform for advocacy and awareness. Each production is an opportunity to shine a light on these crucial issues..."
So comments Rafika Chawishe about her upcoming production of Agamemnon being staged at LaMaMa Experimental Theatre in New York City.
Chawishe is an award-winning actress and theatermaker known for her exploration of memory, trauma, gender, and post-colonialism. Her artistic practice spans theater, multimedia, spoken word, and performance, engaging with pressing social issues.
As an advocate for children's rights, Rafika has significantly contributed to supporting unaccompanied refugee minors in Lesvos, Greece. In 2014, she co-founded The Blind Platform with Antonis Volanakis, fostering collaboration among refugee and local artists.
Here, Picture This Post (PTP) asks Rafika Chawishe (RC) to go into more depth about her goals as a theater maker in general and for the upcoming La MaMa Production of Agamemnon, drawn from the classic Greek play by Aeschylus.
(PTP) What were your first inspirations for making this production?
(RC) I first encountered Agamemnon in my studies, captivated by its profound themes of fate, greed, war , and the human condition. Over time, my understanding deepened, particularly as I reflected on its relevance to contemporary issues. The decision to create this work came organically, a culmination of years of wrestling with its themes and how they resonate with today's world. Greek tragedy is a theater of symbolism, and Agamemnon is a powerful reflection on the nature of war and greed.
The initial spark was the haunting nature of the text itself, combined with my desire to explore the intersections of history and modernity. The imagery of the play and its complexities inspired me to create a visual and auditory landscape that would make the ancient story resonate with today’s audience. The exploration of war and the insatiable human desire for power are particularly poignant in today's context.
How do you think the recent events in the Middle East color audience reactions to the production?
Recent events undoubtedly add layers to the audience's experience. The themes of power struggles, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of violence in *Agamemnon* echo the tumultuous realities in the Middle East and not only . With globalization, we’re acutely aware of how easily conflicts can spark—not just in the Middle East, but all over the world. This is about power and the cycles of pain that power can create. It’s a reminder that these issues transcend geographical boundaries; they reflect a global crisis of humanity. I hope audiences will draw parallels that provoke thought and empathy, allowing the ancient narrative to illuminate contemporary conflicts and the greed that often fuels them.
My primary goal is to spark dialogue. I want audiences to leave with a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of violence and the importance of empathy. By contextualizing Agamemnon within our modern landscape, I hope to encourage reflection on how history informs our present, particularly in the realm of conflict and the greed that drives it.
How do you think your background as a person of mixed Greek/Syrian descent shapes your understanding of the West-Middle East dynamics?
For me, it’s not merely about understanding dynamics; it’s about the human experience and the personal stories that emerge from these complex interactions. My mixed Greek/Syrian heritage provides a multicultural lens, but what truly interests me is how history is shaped not just by facts or political narratives, but by the lived experiences of individuals and their personal narratives.
Art and theater have a powerful role in exposing inner truths, focusing on the people behind the headlines. Politics often gets mired in abstract concepts that can change history, but we must question what belonging really means. What does it mean to lose your rights in an instant and become a pariah in your own land?
These questions transcend the political dynamics between the West and the Middle East; they resonate universally. We must explore the broader human condition—how we connect, how we suffer, and how we find resilience in the face of adversity. In this way, the stories we tell through art reflect not just the specifics of one region, but the shared experiences of humanity as a whole.
Why do you choose to blend classical storytelling with documentary realism in this production?
I see technology as a vital tool to amplify the narrative. By integrating cinematic elements and documentary realism, we can create a multi-layered experience that speaks to both the heart and the intellect. This approach allows us to ground the ancient story in a contemporary context, making it more accessible and impactful for today's audience.
La MaMa presents the World Premiere of Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood from Thursday, November 14, 2024 - Sunday, November 24, 2024 at The Downstairs at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 66 E. 4th Street, NYC.
For more information, visit the La MaMa website
All photos courtesy of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club; production photos by Patroklos Skafidas.
Read more La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club stories here.
