In search of sanctuary at the Lyceum

Writer and Artistic Director David Greig in discussion Pic: Contributed

In Search of Sanctuary, uses the Lyceum’s current production as a jumping off point to examine the company’s approach to telling Aeschylus’ 2500 year old story, which still boasts a striking modern resonance despite first being performed around 470BC.

Making up the panel for the event are economic scholar Esa Aldegheri, Chair of City of Sanctuary Edinburgh Alma Salem, artistic director David Greig, and composer John Browne. The layer two being part of the creative team behind The Suppliant Women.

Together they will consider how this ancient story of refugees, the rights of women and the power and limits of democracy is reflected and refracted in the modern world and how it relates and compares with other refugee narratives, ancient and modern.

Speaking of the event, David Greig says, “We are delighted that the British Council has offered their support to allow The Lyceum to programme this special post show talk to accompany our production of The Suppliant Women.

“This ancient play raises questions still unanswered to this day, about refugees, democracy, civic morality and female empowerment.

“It is very exciting for myself and John as theatre-makers to have the opportunity to debate these issues and how they affected our approach to this production with experts from other fields.

“But most exciting of all is having the opportunity to be able to involve our audience in a wider discussion provoked by the play – just as the original production would have done for the citizens of Athens 2500 years ago.”

Consequently, the people of Edinburgh and beyond are invited to listen and join in the discussion with this free post show event and Q&A session.

In Search of Sanctuary: Post-Show Talk, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, tonight, 9.30pm, free, 0131-248 4848