The Road to Hades

John Hinkel Park, San Francisco

About the Show

With The Road to Hades, Jeff Raz takes inspiration from the ancient playwright Aristophanes to create an original play that tackles the thorny issue of warfare. Mr. Raz has a reputation for weaving social commentary together with slapstick, pratfalls and outrageous clowning – not surprisingly, as he is not only a playwright but also an exceptional circus performer. He is the founder of the Clown Conservatory in San Francisco and has performed with Cirque du Soleil. Along with long time collaborator, composer Johannes Mager, Mr. Raz is creating a tale in which the playwright Aristophanes (Ari) enters a contest to be named Peacemaker of the Millennium. The prize? Immortality. And why shouldn’t he win? An artist has a powerful impact on a society at war – doesn’t he? His competition includes the recently demoted goddess Aphrodite, who has more than one trick up her seductive sleeve. And of course the god of War, who fears he may lose his job. Featuring live music, circus acts and plenty of audience participation, The Road to Hades will transform John Hinkel Park into Mount Olympus, Hades and everything in-between.

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