Robert Woodruff . Toneelgroep Amsterdam

Deception, infanticide and revenge are recurring themes in the illustrious history of the mythological house of Atrides. 'Iphigenia in Aulis' describes one episode, the start of the Trojan War. Agamemnon and Menelaus are on their way to Troy to bring back Menelaus' wife Helen, who has been abducted. However, the intervention of the goddess Artemis forces the Greek fleet to remain in Aulis as their ships are becalmed. If they wish to proceed, Agamemnon will first have to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia. For many years the visiting American director Robert Woodruff was artistic director of the American Repertory Theatre, which is associated with the prestigious Harvard University in Cambridge and Boston. He has had many years' experience in modernising classical texts so that they appeal to young actors and young audiences alike. In 'Iphigenia in Aulis' the protagonists are faced with an almost impossible dilemma, namely choosing between what is important to them personally and their social responsibility.