SMC Presents Virtual Production of The Trojan Women
Illustration by Naomi Ruiz | The Corsair
Perviz Sawoski, the chair and professor of the Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department, had to re-think traditional play production style as she created her version of the production "The Trojan Women," for the SMC Theatre Arts 50 class, using Zoom. Based on the Ancient Greek Tragedy written by Euripides in 415 BC, Sawoski's version has present-day relevance and symbolism, with its portrayal of women and oppression.
The classical play follows the fate of the women of Troy after their city is sacked, their husbands murdered, and their remaining family members who were taken as slaves.
Sawoski uses her adaptation of "The Trojan Women" to connect to people throughout different cultures. "[The play is] just as relevant today," said Sawoski. "People coming in from a different [and] stronger land, conquering, killing all the men [and] taking all the women away to be used as slaves or for [sexual favors]. It's not unusual to have that happen."
The play’s production process required that each actor record their part separately and in front of a virtual backdrop setting. The individual parts were edited together in continuity to create the final product.
Mia Staraci, an SMC Theatre Arts major, says that although none of the cast members had the chance to meet in person before filming, they were still able to bond with each other. "There was a chance to also be more intimate because when you were looking at the screen, you were actually looking at the person... you weren't distracted by a light fixture that wasn't working, a marker that wasn't supposed to be there on the stage." Staraci continued, "You were focused on connecting with the person in front of you [onscreen]... that also formed a bond that wouldn't have happened if we didn't concentrate on the show."
Quei Tann, an acting veteran whose television performance credits include "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Dear White People," performed in SMC’s "The Trojan Women" in order to get her Associate's Degree for transfer in Theatre Arts. She also wanted to step out of her comfort zone by taking on the challenge of performing in a pre-recorded theatre production, addressing very serious material, during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I really wanted to do something to where... there was no comedy at all... Greek is so interesting... But to be able to explore it was really special," Tann said.
Despite the hardships of producing a theater production over a single screen, Sawoski, Staraci and Tann wish to bring inspiration through the art of a virtual stage. They hope that "The Trojan Women" will bring attention to women that continue to struggle all over the world.
"The Trojan Women" is available to watch on the SMC Theatre Arts Department's YouTube page until August 29.
