From Myth to Modernity: How 'Ransacking Troy' Resonates Today

The waiting period isn't wasted time. It's preparation for purposeful action.

As I shuffled into my seat and the lights dimmed at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, an ancient story unfolded with startling contemporary relevance. Erin Shields' "Ransacking Troy" doesn't just retell the Trojan War; it transforms it into a powerful reflection of our modern world, where women refuse to remain silent in the shadows of conflict.

This world premiere production takes the familiar tale of Helen, Cassandra, and the women of Greece and Troy, but reimagines them as agents of change rather than passive victims. As the audience and I watched these women grapple with war, waiting, and the courage to intervene, I couldn't help but see reflections of today's headlines and our own experiences with powerlessness, yet possibility. The powerful concept, combined with the compelling women's roles and the actors' incredible physical endurance, continues to send shivers down my spine.

The Weight of Waiting in a World at War
In Shields' interpretation, the women of Greece have grown weary of waiting for their men to return from a seemingly endless conflict. Sound familiar?

My favourite reading genre is women's historical fiction. I dive into stories about women's lives and their often-overlooked contributions during tough times. Every story deepens my empathy and admiration for the incredible women who just "carry on." "Carry On" has often been interpreted as a call to continue moving forward despite adversity, as seen in phrases like "Keep Calm and Carry On".

Today's world is marked by prolonged conflicts and crises that leave families, particularly women, bearing the emotional and practical burden of uncertainty. Whether it's military families during extended deployments, refugees fleeing violence, or healthcare workers supporting families through extended illness, the theme of waiting resonates deeply. And, they are encouraged to keep calm, which is quite a loaded emotional "ask".

Back to "Ransacking Troy"! The play's portrayal of this waiting isn't passive resignation. Instead, it becomes a catalyst for action. Penelope, Clytemnestra, and Helen transform their years of anxiety into determination to end the cycle of violence.

This mirrors how modern women have channelled their experiences of waiting and worry into powerful movements for change: mothers advocating for gun safety; military spouses organizing support networks; and women directly impacting the end of regional wars.

For women who have spent decades in corporate environments, often feeling like they were waiting for recognition, advancement, or meaningful change, this transformation feels particularly powerful. The play suggests that the waiting period isn't wasted time. It's preparation for purposeful action with our growing wisdom and spirit.
 

The Courage to Intervene When Systems Fail
Perhaps the most striking element of "Ransacking Troy" is its central premise: What if the women decided they wouldn't accept the status quo? What if, instead of waiting for men to finish their war, they intervened to stop it entirely? It has been done, but rarely acknowledged.

This theme of intervention speaks directly to our current moment. We're witnessing women step into leadership roles during global crises, from pandemic response to climate action. The play's women don't seek permission, they act because they recognize that waiting for others to solve problems isn't enough.

The parallels to contemporary social movements are unmistakable.

Beginning with Feminism occurring in "waves," with each wave representing a distinct phase of activism and focus:

• First Wave (late 19th - early 20th century) focused on suffrage and legal rights;
• Second Wave (1960s-1980s) on workplace equality, sexuality, and reproductive rights;
• Third Wave (1990s-2000s) on intersectionality, gender norms, and individual expression; and
• Fourth Wave (2010s-present) on digital activism, social media, and issues like sexual harassment and workplace inequality.

Like the #MeToo movement, climate activism led by young women, or the increasing number of women running for political office, "Ransacking Troy" shows women refusing to accept that their voices don't matter in traditionally male-dominated spheres of war and politics.

For mature professional women transitioning to new phases of their lives which may or may not include new careers, this message to engage with courage is particularly empowering. The play suggests that experience, wisdom, and the perspective that comes from years of observation create not just the right, but the responsibility, to intervene when systems aren't working.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges
What makes this production so compelling is how it demonstrates the enduring power of ancient stories to illuminate contemporary struggles. Greek myths weren’t just stories, they were powerful tools for understanding the complexities of human emotions and experiences that still resonate across time and cultures. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of Emotional Intelligence.

Shields doesn't simply modernize the language or setting, but instead finds the universal truths within these ancient characters. The modernized language is like adding a dash of sarcasm to a tense dinner party, it keeps things intense, but with a side of laughs.

The play reveals how timeless themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of violence remain startlingly relevant. As my friend and I reflected on our experience, we discussed the profound sense of history’s weight and the urgency of current events. Together, in theatre, we watched these mythical figures wrestle with decisions that felt strikingly reflective of our own.

The production's approach to reinterpreting myth offers important lessons about storytelling and leadership. By focusing on women's experiences and voices, it shows how a fresh perspective can uncover brand-new solutions to old challenges. This way of looking at familiar challenges from new perspectives and reframing them is especially helpful for women navigating transitions, exploring life after their careers, and finding ways to advocate for what matters for them and to make a meaningful impact in their lives, careers, and communities.

Transforming Pain into Purpose
One of the most powerful points in this production is how it turns the traditional story of suffering into one of meaningful and purposeful action. Rather than dwelling on the hardships these women face, Shields shines a light on their incredible ability and capacity as a group of women to drive change. The women come from diverse generations, social classes, and personal choices highlighting the remarkable strength of women's bonds. In a lighthearted moment, two women connect over their shared love of weaving. Every woman knows there's no bond stronger than finding a friend who shares your obsessions, whether it’s true crime podcasts or an undying love for coffee.

This transformation from pain to purpose resonates deeply in our current cultural moment, where there's growing recognition that women's experiences of struggle can become sources of strength and innovation. The play demonstrates that those who have been historically marginalized often possess unique insights into systemic problems and creative approaches to solutions.

For women who have experienced workplace challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or other forms of systematic disadvantage, the play offers an inspiring model for validation and empathy. It suggests that these experiences aren't just obstacles to overcome, but potentially valuable perspectives that can lead to meaningful change.

The Ripple Effect of Bold Choices
The reaction of the audience suggested to me that "Ransacking Troy" is achieving something remarkable. It's inspiring us to consider our own capacity for courage, intervention, and change. The production doesn't just entertain; it challenges us to think about when and how we might refuse to accept unacceptable situations in our own lives.

The impact extends beyond the theatre and the Stratford Festival in Ontario. This play arrives at a moment when many of us are questioning traditional institutions and power structures, our roles and our choices. By showing mythical women taking decisive action to end conflict, the play provides a powerful metaphor for contemporary activism and leadership.

The timing couldn't be more relevant for women who are approaching their encore phase. In the midst of global conflicts, climate challenges, and social inequities, the play’s central message reminds us that those who have been quiet observing and waiting might be the ones best equipped to create meaningful solutions. It’s an inspiring reminder of our personal power and a gentle nudge to take action.

The premiere unfolded like a symphony reaching its crescendo, drawing a standing ovation that rippled illumination through the crowd like waves on a moonlit shore. It was a moment that stirred my heart, sending shivers through my body and creating a lump in my throat as I held back tears. The audience let out a shared sigh of awe and connection. For many, it wasn’t just applause; it was a release, a celebration of something deeply moving, as if the performance had touched a part of their soul that had long been waiting to be seen and validated.

My Takeaways: Lessons for Today's Leaders
"Ransacking Troy" offers profound lessons about leadership and change-making that extend far beyond its mythical setting. It demonstrates that:

• Experience with waiting and observing can develop unique insights into systemic problems
• Those traditionally excluded from decision-making often possess fresh perspectives on old challenges
• The courage to intervene, even when it disrupts established systems, can create positive change
• Collective action by women in a multigenerational network can transform situations that seemed hopeless

For women transitioning to new phases of their lives, remastering their lives and work, or seeking to make meaningful impact, these lessons are particularly powerful. Our choices are validated; our voices are heard. The play suggests that the wisdom gained from years of experience, combined with the courage to act, can create remarkable change.

As the stage dimmed and the play closed, the audiences was left with more than entertainment. We were left with questions about our own potential to intervene, to refuse to accept the unacceptable, and to transform waiting into purposeful action. In a world that feels paralyzed by conflict and division, "Ransacking Troy" offers a bold reminder that change is possible when we find the courage to step forward and lead.

The ancient story becomes a modern call to action, reminding us that every generation has the power to rewrite the endings they've inherited. The real question is: will we rewrite the script or keep accepting the supportive role in the same dysfunctional sequel?

Resources

Visit Stratford, Ontario, Canada - Ransacking Troy, Stratford Festival 2025