"Cry for me, daughters of Troy," moans Hecuba, a widow of the Trojan war. And cry they will. Southeast Missouri State University's production of "The Trojan Women" is not a feel-good play.

"There's very little hope for these women," said Dr. Robert Dillon, director. "Things go from bad to worse to worse. The play is a scathing critique of man's propensity to make war, an exploration of that despair beyond despair."

The play centers around the plight of the women left behind after Troy is defeated by the Greeks. Their families killed and their homes ravaged, the women have nothing ahead of them but a trip to Greece to be divided up to new masters and husbands. While examining the suffering of the Trojan women, the play also ridicules the follies of the warlike.

"In my mind, it is one of the greatest anti-war plays ever written," said Ellen Dillon, who plays Hecuba. Dillon believes, however, that the play transcends a feminist message.

"I'm not sure I would consider this a feministic play. I think it is more about people (male and female) who find themselves victims of circumstances and others who overpower them."

Indeed, one of the few male characters, a Greek soldier who quite literally is the bearer of bad news, is portrayed not as a villain but someone who is forced to do his job, who is emotionally conflicted with what he must do to these women.

Robert Dillon agrees. "It's not just about women, but about humanity. I hope after this play people understand the plight of women in Iraq, Afghanistan and even New Orleans; but I also hope they think about their own place in the world, the struggles of the poor and the damage war causes."

The play's stance against war is extremely evident. Dillon has outfitted the women in costumes that resemble burqas; and the set, featuring rubble and even sand, is more than vaguely reminiscent to the Middle East. The mad Cassandra, former virgin maiden of Apollo and daughter of Hecuba, speaks a line that is especially biting today: "Any man with sense shrinks from war."

Elisa Curtis, who plays Cassandra, found the role difficult. "It was definitely a challenge to perform such an old classic. The language style is elevated, which required a definite adjustment. I also had to do a lot of research."

According to Dillon, "The Trojan Women" has been performed steadily for about 2,500 years, since Euripides presented the play in 415 B.C. Audiences will not have a hard time understanding the production, however, thanks to an audience-friendly 2003 translation. In addition, the play clocks in at under two hours, so the audience doesn't have to endure the heartbreaking wails of the women for too long.   

This production did a great job of energizing the depressing theme of the play in other ways. Several well-choreographed chorus numbers break up the show's Greek tendency towards long monologues. The songs and dance give the play a contemporary feel though tying it close to its tradition.

The lighting is fabulous, as well as the rich costumes. An entrance by the haughty and highly detestable Helen of Troy, the cause for all the suffering, and lines like "When men make fools of themselves, it's always Aphrodite," also let the audience take a break from the tragedy. But not for too long.

The constant crying, moaning and wailing isn't only hard on an audience, but on the actresses as well.

Ellen Dillon said her role was "emotionally and physically taxing." Hecuba never leaves the stage, and is at times prostrate on the ground, or beating her breasts or tearing out her hair in agony. At one point, her character lets out a piercing cry that is sure to leave every audience member with chills. Curtis' performance as revenge-hungry Cassandra is equally engaging.

"The Trojan Women" may be easy to understand, but the subject matter may leave some confused. An audience member with even a cursory knowledge of Greek mythology may not understand every reference in this myth-heavy play. However, suffering is universal, and the emotional aspect of the play will be lost on no one.

Ellen Dillon hopes that the audience will draw a meaningful resolution from the performance. "It is sometimes difficult to keep the humanity in high tragedy, but I think the audience will see well developed characters reacting to an incredible series of events."

"I just want the audience to respect the work we've done, and to feel," said Robert Dillon. "To open their ears and eyes, hearts and minds."

Mission accomplished. When the lights fade into the red fires of a burning Troy, and the last woman on stage can be heard crying out, there won't be a dry eye in the house.

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Just the facts:

What: "The Trojan Women"

When: Oct. 5, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Oct. 6-8, 8 p.m.; Oct. 9, 2 p.m.

Where: Rose Theatre

Info: 651-2265