The Bacchae

When most people think of the mythical god Dionysus, they picture a jovial, drunken deity, languishing with his worshippers, awash in fine wine. But those who have read their Euripides (and not just pretended to) will remember that in The Bacchae he was another being entirely. The play, first produced in 403 B.C., will find reincarnation tonight at the hands of the Nova Arts Project, with new writing and direction by Clinton Hopper. The theme remains the same: Dionysus, angered that his mother’s people don’t believe he’s a god, goes into a murderous rage and targets the king, Pentheus, whom he attacks via a throng of female worshippers intoxicated by his power. (What a way to go.) 8 p.m. August 7 to August 11, August 14 to August 16. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts/Jose Quintero Theatre, University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun. For information, call 713–623–4033 or visit www.novaartsproject.org. $17 to $30.
Aug. 7-11, 8 p.m.; Aug. 14-16, 8 p.m., 2008