“Ajax” Cast Member Raises Awareness of Veterans’ Issues

Salve Regina student cast member of “Ajax” discusses the importance of supporting veterans

Jacob Fernandes ’17, an involved student in Salve Regina University’s theatre community, will be playing the role of Menelaus in the Story in the Public Square’s reader’s theatrical production of “Ajax.” Fernandes, 19, is a social work major and theatre minor from Westbrook, Conn.

Fernandes says he is amazed by how relevant the Greek tragedy is in today’s conversation about veterans and is excited to be taking part in the production.

“Art as an educational tool is one the best things that I think there is, because anybody can get up in front of you and lecture you […] Having this re-enacted right in front of you, that makes it more real.”

Fernandes believes that “Ajax” will “really get the word out there that we need to provide support.” According to Fernandes, “it’s an important message to get across that these are the people who are keeping us safe and we need to treat them with the respect they deserve.”

“Help these people, don’t just throw them away once they’re done protecting us.”

Ajax in RI will be held on Tuesday Nov. 11 – Thursday Nov. 13 at Salve Regina University in Newport; Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Contemporary Theater in South Kingstown; Monday, Nov. 17 at Providence College in Providence; Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Sandywoods Center in Tiverton; and Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland. Reserve free tickets at ajaxinri.eventbrite.com