AJAX IN IRAQ
Past and present collide in Ellen McLaughlin's mash-up of Sophocles' classic tragedy Ajax with the modern-day war in Iraq. The play follows the parallel narratives of Ajax, an ancient Greek military hero, and A.J., a modern female American soldier, both undone by the betrayal of a commanding officer. Athena, goddess of war, coolly presides over the whole. Inspired by material collected from interviews with Iraq war veterans and their families, Ajax in Iraq explores the timeless struggle soldiers face in trying to make sense of war.
Knock And Run Theatre’s production of Ajax In Iraq was staged in 2018 at Tantrum Studio in Newcastle. It was directed by James Chapman (his first turn at directing for the company). Chapman also provided the sound design while Lyndon Buckley designed the lighting. The cast was comprised of Amy Vee (as Athena), Lachlan Fairhall (as Ajax), Olivia Jubb (as A.J), Belinda Hodgson (as Mangus) and the ensemble included Angela McKeown, Matthew Heys, Marissa Saroca, Roger Ly, Alexandra Rose, Keltan O’Shae, Milly Lambert and Troy Bull.
The show was nominated for two CONDA awards: Best Supporting Actor (Male)- Matthew Heys and Best Lighting Design- Lyndon Buckley.