Euripides' ancient classic The Trojan Women begins performances Sept. 3 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego for Sept. 9 opening. The new translation/adaptation is by Marianne McDonald, a pioneer in the field of modern versions of the classics in films, plays and opera. The director is Seret Scott, who recently helmed Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Old Globe.

The Trojan Women is considered one of the greatest anti-war plays of all time. It tells the tale of Hecuba, Queen of Troy, and the fate of her family and city in the wake of the ten-year battle that destroyed their world. Euripides wrote the play 2,400 years ago, but its power, poetry and timelessness have kept it alive ever since.

The cast includes John Campion as Menelaus, Rayme Cornell as Cassandra, Celeste Ciulla as Helen, Randy Danson as Hecuba, Michael James Reed as Taly, Jennifer Regan as Andromache and Rosina Reynold as Chorus Leader.

Old Globe Theatre is located in Balboa Park. For tickets and information call (619) 239-2255.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent