Troilus and Cressida

by William Shakespeare

dir. Dave Peterson

May 2017, Theatre at Meiley-Swallow, North Central College, Naperville IL

Set against the Trojan War, Shakespeare's "problem play" showcases the extent to which men in power attempt to claim control over the women around them. Cressida and Troilus navigate their young love, but are soon torn apart by war. Cressida must learn how to survive in a new and hostile Greek camp, while Troilus is given to thoughts of revenge over his presumed ownership of Cressida. Further, Shakespeare turns a sharp eye to the toxic masculinity the motivates Achilles, Hector, and the other would be heroes of the war. The production makes use of cross gender and double casting to play with themes of masculinity and identity.

Pictures by Wesley Ellis