Theatre of War

A virtual-live performance of Ajax and Philoctetes, screened at the Byre Theatre with leading actors from the worlds of film television and theatre:

David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck, Lincoln, Nomadland)

Lesley Sharp (Before We Die, Scott and Bailey, Afterlife)

Nyasha Hatendi (Alex Rider, Casual, Black Earth Rising)

Bill Camp (The Queen’s Gambit, The Night of Love and Mercy)

Witness these dramatic readings of the seminal plays, after which an in-person panel of esteemed individuals from the veteran community will share their personal experiences of war.

The purpose of this screening and panel is to generate discussions which confront social issues by drawing out raw and personal reactions to the themes highlighted by the performance. Audience members are invited to share their perspectives and experiences, helping to break down stigmas and foster both empathy and an evolved understanding of complex issues.

Since 2009, Theatre of War has facilitated events for more than 500,000 people in over 100 countries. They have attracted a notable roster of highly acclaimed actors including Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Adam Driver and Jake Gyllenhaal and it is a real coup that we can bring such a progressive social initiative with their reach and purpose to St Andrews.   

This performance is a collaboration between several organisations: it brings together the University of St Andrews’ Schools of International Relations, English, and Classics, as well as our Centre of Peace and Conflict Studies via our War Veterans project, with Bravehound, the key external charitable partner which supports veterans and their families.  

 Theatre of War recognises that art is a transformative medium through which we have the capacity to promote understandings of conflict and its impacts, and the complex disentanglement process of those who have experienced it as they transition away from military life.