Handmaid’s Taleauthor Margaret Atwood’s script turnsThe Odysseystory inside out, telling it from the after-death perspective of Odysseus's abandoned wife, Penelope, warding off greedy, obnoxious suitors with the help of her band of Maids. Kudos to Mona Eldahshoury shouldering a huge line load and emotional load as the titular Penelope, who was also our narrator, relating directly to the audience.
The Studio 60 stage in the basement of the MSU Auditorium Building, demonstrated the “storefront” concept with a very simple set of only black boxes and a ladder. Scenes were artfully built with the actors’ bodies using impressive blocking/choreography and incorporating chants and drum rhythms on the boxes plus interesting lighting: darkness with tiny hand-held lights in “the underworld,” bright lights in the living times remembered. Blackouts framed dramatic rape and murder scenes. There was no “fight choreographer” listed, so I credit Director Abbie Cathcart, maybe with help/oversight by Intimacy director Alexis Black? (Program warning: references to sexual assault and rape, implied consensual intimacy, loud sounds and flashing lights.)
Director Abbie explains her approach and insights in an enlightening Director’s Note. She says, “I seeThe Penelopiadas an allegory for what happens when we prioritize maintaining norms and comfort over doing the right thing.” The show explores issues of gender and class and blurs the lines between heroes and villains.
This is not really “my kind of script” with its classical/mythology genre — though the language is very understandable and well articulated despite the actors’ masks. (Both actors and audience are all masked.) I’m just not a fan of oracles and revenge and macho and sadistic gods and all that. It left me thinking “people are no damn good, especially men, but you know, women aren’t perfect either and the system stinks…” Kind of a downer, but well done. (Curtainless Theatre fans will love it!)
Penelopiadperformances continue through October 9 in the Studio 60 Theatre basement of the MSU Auditorium Building, just past the Arena Theatre.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 8, 2021, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 8 p.m.
Tickets for The Penelopiad are $10 for general admission.
Online: http://theatre.msu.edu/penelopiad
At the door: Tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain.
Check or credit card only, no cash.
For more information on the show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit: https://theatre.msu.edu/productions/21-22/.