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Show rv : The prophet Cassandra (Michael Alvarez) warns the chorus (Michael Hill, Jack Halstead, Christopher Ivins, Kenneth Harper) someone plots revenge, in a scene from "Agamemnon." Tragedy shows Greeks had taste for tattle "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," "Dynasty" Americans love a good scandal. It appears the ancient Greeks loved scandal, too, because history records they swarmed to the amphitheaters to view tragedies like "Agamemnon." The 25-century-old drama by Aeschylus will be presented by the University of Utah's Classic Theatre Festival Oct. 5 and 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the This is the Place Amphitheatre in Emigration Canyon near. Salt Lake City. The translation of the play, by Robert Fagles, will be present in the classical tradition outdoors with an all-male cast who will wear masks and authentic costumes. The production pro-duction will use no artificial lighting or sound amplification. Marilyn Holt will direct the story of King Agamemnon, commander in chief of the Greek forces whose pride and arrogance lead him to sacrifice his daughter to assure favorable winds for his fleet's journey to the enemy Troy. He returns victorious to Argos only to be struck down by his wife, Clytemnestra, who is driven by passion pas-sion and revenge after brooding 10 years on his deed. "It is a tense drama of family conflict, con-flict, intrigue and murder," says William Hess, professor of classics at the university. Barbara Lindsay, professor of honors and liberal education, adds, "Despite its antiquity, Aeschylus' tragedy speaks directly to the 20th century and does so in majestic tones." . James Svendsen recently returned return-ed from the island of Poros, Greece, where he is field director of the Aegean Institute. He also serves as text consultant, dramaturg and tour organizer for the Classic Theatre Festival. He believes Greek Drama can help families see themselves in very real situations. "Behind the foreign masks, the Greek costumes and the unusual setting set-ting are real feelings which touch real families and everyday problems," pro-blems," he says, Richard Nelson-Nelligan will play Agamemnon. Kurt Bernhardt will play Clytemnestra. Costume designer is Claudia Boddy. Set designer is George Maxwell. Admission is free. Organizers suggest sug-gest viewers bring a blanket, as seating will be on the lawn. For more information, call 581-6961. |