Agony (Ancient Reality Show)

"Agony" (Ancient Reality Show) is an original production about the identity of contemporary women. Helena, Clytemnestra, Penelope, Medea, and Cassandra – women and companions of ancient heroes – compete in an ancient agon for ultimate supremacy, an olive branch, and perhaps even Hercules' heart.

Who are these women to whom Homer devoted only a few lines? Wives, lovers, mothers, daughters, sisters, servants, but also witches, sorceresses, seductresses, murderers, or "tradwives". Idealized archetypes or beings with their own opinions, desires, and problems? Ancient tragedy transforms into a reality show: why did they enter the Agony, what are they fighting for, and what do they have in common with today's women? A struggle for power and voice, or a trap set by patriarchy?

The production was created in direct collaboration with members of the HaDivadlo ensemble using the "devised theatre" method. It draws from Greek mythology according to Robert Graves, various literary reinterpretations of myths, and from the essay collection "Why Are We So (Pissed) Off" by Šárka Homfray and Michaela Karásek Čejková ("Wo-men", 2022).