Ancient storytelling sparks conversation on addiction, recovery, and community healing

On June 18, The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with North Memorial Health, Hennepin County, and the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, proudly hosted The Dionysus Project by Theater of War Productions at the historic Capri Theater in North Minneapolis.  

This nationally acclaimed performance uses scenes from the ancient Greek play, The Bacchae, to spark open, community-centered dialogue around addiction and recovery. 

Across two powerful shows, more than 200 people attended. Audience members included community residents, medical staff, law enforcement, EMS personnel, city officials, and the Hennepin County Sheriff, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of the event.  

The performances featured Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Seth Gilliam (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Tate Donovan (The Holdovers, Argo, Friends, Hercules), and Marjolaine Goldsmith (Dress), alongside six community members who took the stage as the Chorus. Local participation helped bridge the distance between ancient story and modern struggle and ground the performance in lived experience.  

The event created a unique and meaningful space for connection, reflection, and healing, and was a moving example of what’s possible when public health, public safety, and community come together. 

Learn more about The Dionysus Project and Hennepin County’s opioid response.