Michelle Dockery will return to the stage for the first time in seven years to lead the world premiere of Ava Pickett’s new play “Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy” at Stratford East.
Dockery, known for playing Lady Mary Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” will star as Helen opposite Laura Aikman as Cee, marking Aikman’s stage debut.
“Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy” will run at Stratford East from Sept. 3 to Oct. 10. The staging is the first Lisa Spirling has directed since taking over as Stratford East’s artistic director and co-CEO.
The play centers on Helen’s homecoming following a war waged over her, unfolding on the first uneasy night of peace. Her husband is jubilant at her return, but her friend Cee reacts very differently, and old grievances surface as the true price of Helen’s departure comes into focus.
“Ava is such an extraordinary voice in storytelling right now and I’m delighted to be part of this bold reimagining of Helen’s return from Troy,” Dockery said. “Stratford East’s history of bringing vital and ambitious stories to life makes it the perfect home for this production.”
