Syrian refugees to perform in Queen of Syria at Young Vic

An all-female cast of Syrian refugees will take to the stage in July 2016 to perform in Queens of Syria, a modern adaptation of Euripides' anti-war tragedy The Trojan Women.

First staged in Amman in 2013 and the subject of an award-winning documentary, the performers will amalgamate their own narratives of war and exile with the ancient Greek text with the play also combining scenes from the documentary.

The production will open at the Young Vic from 5 to 9 July before visiting Oxford, Brighton, Liverpool, Leeds and Edinburgh.

Director of Oxford Playhouse, Louise Chantal, said: "It's a privilege to be working with Developing Artists and Refuge Productions to help bring this important project to Oxford, both on film and on the stage. I can't help thinking that Queens of Syria might be the most important theatre project of the year."

Cast member Khaula added: "We came into a new society, a new way of life: we were isolated. Doing this play helped us break the ice; we started to connect with others and make friends. It gave us the courage we needed to talk about our problems frankly and clearly. We feel that we can do something for Syria, and the Syrian people, by sending a message to the whole world – hopefully someone can help us end this tragedy."