Warrior Bards invites veterans to study with faculty from the USC School of Dramatic Arts, the Department of Classics, and Division of Media Arts + Practice, giving veterans the opportunity to speak on their experiences in combat and the hardships they currently face.
In November 2020, “AJAX – An Interactive Exploration” played, a co-production co-sponsored by ITSC under the leadership of playwright and ITSC Board member Paula Cizmar, between Warrior Bards and EST/LA. It’s an interactive website that includes an “imagined production” of the Sophocles’ play featuring video clips of veterans performing scenes; video of them discussing how the play relates to their war experiences; plus set, costume, and lighting designs for the imagined production; and resources from a retired military therapist on how to cope with PTSD, etc.
Last year’s Warrior Bards fall showcase, a collaboration between Paula Cizmar and the Warrior Bards, displayed the veterans’ response to Greek tragedy via spoken word, a short story, a scene, and visual art they created together.
Photo courtesy of Gina Clyne