Review: Bradford Reilly and InVerse Theatre Company's THE TROJAN WOMEN is Chilling; an Unforgettable Theatrical Experience!

The Trojan Women

Written and Directed by Bradford J. Reilly
Produced by InVerse Theatre at Arts Mission Oak Cliff

Audience Rating: R for mature themes and language
Run time: 1 hour 15 minutes, no intermission
Accessible Seating: available. Accessible Entrance requires assistance
Sensory Friendly Showing: All showings are appropriate
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable for all patrons
Audio/Visuals to Prepare For: Screaming during heightened dramatic moments, depiction of death, violence and strong language (including use of the word "cunt.")

Reviewed by Stacey L. Simpson

Bradford J. Reilly’s brilliant reimagining of Euripides' classic tragedy, produced by InVerse Theatre Company at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, is a stark, emotionally compelling exploration of the human cost of war. This production of The Trojan Women succeeds in breathing modern resonance into ancient drama through its stylized yet grounded approach.  

The source material traces back 2,500 years to ancient Greece, when Euripides first composed The Trojan Women and presented it at the Dionysia Festival in 415 BC. Some consider it the first anti-war play in recorded history, as Euripides made the revolutionary choice to eschew the expected glorification of war heroes and instead amplify the voices of those most affected by the conflict and suffering caused by endless war and the realization of its spoils. Much as this adaptation does today, the original text challenged its audience by holding up an uncomfortable mirror to the desperation and destruction caused by ongoing war and conflict.  

Drawing from this classical source material, Reilly's modern staging tackles these timeless themes from the perspective of the victims of war in the aftermath of the defeat of Troy. You’ve heard that history is written by the victors. But here it's the victims of war, its grieving, hollow-eyed survivors, whose perspectives we see. The play profoundly examines how war crushes the weak and corrupts the strong, putting the relentless human cost on full display as the characters grieve the loss of their loved ones, homes, and agency; blending raw grief with moments of stark, striking staging.

The heart of the production beats through its ensemble of four phenomenal actors—Molly Rose as Helen, Rhonda Sue Rose as Hecuba, Octavia Thomas as Cassandra, and Kim Winnubst as Andromache. Each actor delivers an emotionally complex performance that captures the deep-seated pain, defiance, and nuance of the text. Each in turn shows us her experience and exposes her raw grief in a singular fashion. Rhonda Sue Rose as Hecuba in particular allows herself to express her emotions only when everyone else is gone, only then releasing agonizing screams of grief.

Reilly, also responsible for the design aspects of the show: Set, Lighting, Sound, and Costumes, but is supported by spotlight operators, Katie Burt and Vinnie Serionel. The setting is simple, beautiful flowers leading to an altar in an abstract temple. Most importantly, this play is about language, specifically, and especially, the powerful diction. Reilly made a notable choice to have the characters use language to commit violence, striking with words. The limited fight choreography served to isolate and emphasize the inherent violence in each spoken word. Chilling and so effective!

This production is an unforgettable theatrical experience! "It will be, one day… perhaps.” Runs September 17-19, 2026. Tickets: artsmissionoc.org

On with the show!

Stacey L. Simpson