The Hercules Project is a non-profit theater company that specializes in applied Classical theater. Our work is rooted in the idea of VA psychiatrist Jonathan Shay who writes in Odysseus in America that Greek tragedy was invented as a form of cultural therapy for, of, and by veterans. This aligns with Aristotle’s theory of catharsis that tragedy was “pleasurable” because it provided a “catharsis” or relief of negative emotions. We do not provide therapy per se, but we produce ancient Athenian tragedies in original translations in understandable English.
While our programming is deeply invested in serving veterans and first responders, our broader mission is to expose the general public to the enduring masterpieces of ancient Greek theater and introduce the profound, transformative power of their drama. Our events include a panel of veterans or first responders, and an audience talk back to help our audience create their own narrative in relation to the timeless, tragic issues we present on stage: trauma, moral injury, betrayal in the chain of command, suicide, resilience, loss of a beloved comrade, and reintegration into civilian society.
Our productions include modern music and dance in homage to the original format that included chorus sections, and also because music and dance are in themselves therapeutic.
Our performers include veterans along with professional actors and musicians, and we draw our panel members from longstanding partners in the veteran and first responders community. In addition to our performing artists, we partner with psychologists, mental health counselors, the Orlando VA, and participate in a coalition through the Orlando VA called "Finding our Tribe: Community and Conversation Through the Arts."
Our objective is to create a sacred, safe space for veterans, first responders, and survivors. This work is an invitation to transition from isolation into a shared "tribe," utilizing the timeless power of the arts and humanities to build community, facilitate dialogue, create awareness of veteran issues, and build a lasting path toward coping and resilience.