Aristotle/Alexander, a new play written and directed by Alex Lyras (The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, Plasticity) had a world premiere at Los Angeles’ Company of Angels on March 29.
The cast will include Andrew Byron (Night of the Iguana, The Good Russian) as Aristotle, Nicholas Clary (Midnight Summer’s Dream, Acidman) as Alexander, John Kapelos (The Trial of Socrates, The Breakfast Club) as Isocrates, and Elyse Levesque (The Originals, Ready or Not) as Queen Olympias. Casting is by April Webster.
When Greek philosopher Aristotle accepts the coveted position of court tutor for an adolescent Alexander the Great, an intellectual battle of wits between teacher and student collides with high stakes Hellenistic realpolitik bearing life and death consequences.
Both then and now, the question of how best to rule reaches a chilling conclusion: democracies are far more fragile than we realize.
“It’s a rare moment in history when two figures of this stature crash into each other, and at such a pivotal period in each of their lives,” shared writer, director, and co-producer Alex Lyras. “The impact is apparent on both lives, and ancient Greece was never the same. The parallels to our current political dilemma two thousand years later are uncanny.”
He added, “I’m thrilled that Aristotle/Alexander will be having its world premiere at Company of Angels and to be working with my friends and fellow artists Armando Molina and Matthew Quinn.”
“Company of Angels is excited to collaborate in bringing Aristotle/Alexander to our stage and audience,” expressed co-producer Armando Molina.
“Aligning with our mission, the play re-envisions several timely and universal themes: democracy versus tyranny, education versus indoctrination, ethics versus politics, and the role of family as the foundation of good leadership.”
The production also features an original score by Andreas Fevos, set design by Joel Daavid, visual design by Jon Bonk and Tim Kennedy of Immerse Studios, video and lighting design by Matt Richter, costume design by Paula Davis, hair and makeup design by Heidi Lowry, fight choreography by Orion Barnes, technical direction by Justin Huen, digital content by Effie Samios, video editing by Peter Chakos, and stage management by Claire Dewars.
Aristotle/Alexander was originally commissioned by the J. Paul Getty Museum for the Getty Villa Theater Lab and produced as a staged reading in spring 2024. The L.A. staging is presented by Company of Angels and Combined Artform in partnership with Legacy LA. Armando Molina, Matthew Quinn, and Lyras are co-producing.
The play will run until May 4.
Visit AristotleAlexander.com for tickets.
