Join us for a recitation of John Milton’s closet drama Samson Agonistes, a retelling of the tragedy of Samson and Dalila. Composed in the mid-1600s, the piece presents the story of one of mythology’s first superheroes in tragic verse, beginning with a blind Samson stumbling out onto the stage and culminating in an explosion of righteous violence. Set long ago in the Gaza Strip, Samson Agonistes is a meditation on sacrifice, power, and self-destruction, an explosion of rage and grief shouted towards the heavens.

~Cast~
Samson………………………….Devyn Abdullah
Dalila……………………………..Alexandra Newton
Harapha of Gath………………Edward Draven
Manoa, Father of Samson………..Michael “Midnight Mike” Parker
Chorus, Messenger, Official…………v.f. thompson

The role of Manoa, Father of Samson, is still available. If you are interested in reading for the part, please contact us at ZGlvbnlzaWFucHVibGljbGlicmFyeSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29tor (810) 355-4824. As this is a recitation, there is no memorization required, but there will be a minor commitment of two rehearsals prior to the show.

The poem will be presented with live musical accompaniment before and after from local metal band One with the Riverbed, with a talk back following to discuss the material. This event is a fundraiser for Palestinian aid, with all profits being donated to the Palestinian Social Fund, an organization dedicated to grassroots support of cooperative farms in Palestine.

The performance will be held at 6:00 pm at the First Congregational Church on W. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo, Michigan.