John Ford’s Carolinian drama THE BROKEN HEART tells the story of two Spartan families whose fued was resolved by the engagement of their children – Penthea and Orgilus. However, Penthea’s father died before the wedding and her brother Ithocles forced her into a more prestigious match with a man she does not love. As the action of the play unfolds Ithocles returns from war, falls in love with the princess Calantha, and repents. Orgilus revenges himself by killing Ithocles and is subsequently executed, Penthea dies of starvation, and Calantha, broken hearted, dies.

Quoting director Selina Cartmell, “The Broken Heart is both ancient and modern. Timeless issues of ‘perverse’ sexual and gender relationships are confronted as Ford interweaves dance, music and silence with his remarkable text.”

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select photos by Gerry Goodstein

Lighting Design

Theatre for a New Audience, Duke Theatre, NYC, February 2012

Written by John Ford
Directed by Selina Cartmell

Set Design by Antje Ellermann
Costume Design by Susan Hilferty
Composition & Sound Design by David Van Tieghem Choreography by Annie-B Parson