I again apologize that these “antiquated language” plays are not my cup of tea. Honor, shame, fate, lots of angst… grim and portentous/pretentious and it’s hard for me to cope with the language. But I still appreciate the energy and understanding the actors brought to their roles. It is good to see local theatre bravely persisting.
The team that produced Prometheus Bound, Director Dale Wayne Williams and tech director Cody Skalmowski, are again at the helm, as actors “entered” and “exited” appropriately in their virtual boxes. Some home cameras were smoother/faster than others. I think I would have particularly liked Kris Vitols’ animated performance as the elder herdsman, but his video-delay made it choppy.
Thanks to “virtuality” Detroit resident Jordan Climie was able to join the Lansing-area cast as the reluctant, blind seer who reveals to Oedipus the prophesy that he is doomed to kill his father and marry his mother. Tim Edinger played the title role of Oedipus with courage and angst (and a dramatic but tasteful bloodied-eye mask.) Erica Beck brought gravitas to his unfortunate Jocasta/mother/wife.
As with Prometheus, I found the real-time comments distracting. I think next time I’ll do “full screen” and not read them. The (maybe) good news is that you will not see the comments when you replay this show.
Look under “More” on Curtainless Theatre’s Facebook page and choose “videos.” You can play this hour-and-22 minute show anytime — and maybe also watch the previous virtual show, Prometheus Bound, as well as other videos. You can support Curtainless Theatre with donations at http://paypal.me/curtainlesstheatre
Parts two and three of the Oedipus Cycle, “Oedipus at Colonus” and “Antigone” are planned to air in August and September; stay tuned for further info. The group hopes to eventually record with actors onstage together as soon as Covid-restrictions allow.