Michigan State University’s Wharton Center presents Theater of War Productions’ performance of “Promethea in Prison,” featuring Sonja Sohn and Deirdre Lovejoy, known for their roles on the HBO drama “The Wire.” The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Pasant Theatre.
“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 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.
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 theater, 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.
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.
There will be an After Chat facilitated by Dominic Dupont, who spent 20 years in state prison starting as a teenager and was granted clemency last year by Gov. Cuomo, immediately following the performance.
Company members will lead a brief discussion and take questions from the audience inside the Pasant Theatre.
Tickets are available online, at the Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.