Greek mythology

REVIEW:  War and Sacrifice in theatre KAPOW’s stunning ‘Iphanalis in Aulis’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The war cannot end unless it begins.

A prophecy, an atrocious act and a man blinded by victory. Stakes and superstitions run high in the Great Trojan War on an exceptional beach…at an unfathomable cost.

 Elemental is Theatre KAPOW’s current season’s theme. Their 19th season returns to basics and explores the power of nature in four distinct productions.

With Matthew Cahoon’s perceptive direction and stunning scenic design as well as Lorraine Chapman’s captivating choreography, theatre KAPOW presented Euripides’s Iphigenia in Aulis which ran for one weekend only from September 18 through 20 live and in person on the BNH Stage in Concord, New Hampshire. Trans adapted by Ann Washburn tying in classic and contemporary elements, this musically-inspired production ran approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for Theatre Kapow’s upcoming productions.

The cast of theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

A luminous full moon and a rippling setting sun are just a couple of Cahoon’s striking projections intensified by Tavya Young’s innovative lighting illuminating Aulis’s sandy shores. Strategically-placed clothing is inventively transformed and shadows of the sea and sail come alive inside pristine parasols. Symbolic wooden posts scatter along this beach under a rich sky.

From halo braids to iridescent, flowing and draped Greek-inspired gowns and faithful panoply and sandals to symbolic and translucent veils to colorful and trendier styles, costumer Barbara Holbrook balances these classic and contemporary visuals flawlessly. Samantha Griffin as Iphigenia is a particular vision while Greek chorus Samantha Autumn, Tracy Hickey and Olivia Krick stylishly turn heads without seeming stilted or out of place.

Samantha Autumn, Alex Picard, Olivia Krick and Tracy Hickey in theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

As peaceful as this setting may sound, Euripides’s classic is anything but peaceful as Peter Josephson as Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, wanders onto the beach. Josephson has a gift for bringing depth and sympathy to complex and polarizing characters and he makes it easy to sympathize with Agamemnon’s lament. The goddess Artemis demands Agamemnon sacrifice his favorite daughter to ensure victory in a war that has not yet started.

Alex Picard and Peter Josephson in theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

Barefoot, distressed and lost in thought, Josephson chooses his words carefully while expressing his inner turmoil.  He turns to Alex Picard as Agamemnon’s brother and King of Sparta Menelaus for reassurance, but what Picard’s Menelaus returns is far different from what he is expecting.

Even if you know the story of Iphigenia in Aulis, this intense adaptation reveals new perspectives and much more. 

Rachel Chapin Longo and Peter Josephson theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

Led by Josephson, Iphigenia in Aulis boasts a skilled and discerning cast as some members take on multiple roles during the production. Picard and Josephson share gripping chemistry as palpable tension and sibling rivalry take hold, leveling each other in deep seated resentment. Trusting, warm, wise and practical, Rachael Chapin Longo holds her own with Josephson and delivers a courageous and powerful performance as Agamemnon’s wife Clytemnestra, Queen of Mycenae. However, Samantha Griffin shines as Agamemnon’s favorite daughter who is not to be underestimated.

Adding context, meaning and atmosphere to this production is a trio of acoustic Greek folk musicians who narrate, participate and articulate a number of perspectives and observations through stirring original music by composer Jake Hudgins. Along with guitar and harmonica tinged rhythms, they muse, “Let this not come to me or my children’s children” and “Water flowing…an excellent daughter…let the winds blow.”

Alex Picard, Tracy Hickey, Olivia Krick and Samatha Griffin as the Chorus in theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

Having never witnessed this classic Greek mythical tale, Iphigenia in Aulis explores a great deal in its tense 100 minute timeframe. It does share moments of dark and clever humor while tackling war, cowardice, sacrifice, jealousy, ambition, obsession, betrayal, honor, and loyalty in a profound exploration of family and country where truth and integrity are so difficult to find.

Samantha Griffin, Samantha Autumn, Olivia Krick, Alex Picard, Tracy Hickey and Rachael Chapin Longo in theatre KAPOW’s Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides/Anne Washburn, September 18 – 20 at the BNH Stage in Concord, NH. http://www.tkapow.com. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

Theatre KAPOW particularly excels at bringing something new to classic works and Anne Washburn’s final play Iphigenia in Aulis is an ideal work for Theatre KAPOW, delivering a unique and multilayered journey with a number of unpredictable twists and turns right down to its final shocking seconds.

Theatre KAPOW presented Euripides’s Iphigenia in Aulis which ran for one weekend only from September 18 through 20 live and in person at the BNH Stage in Concord, New Hampshire. Click here for more information and for further details on Theatre Kapow’s upcoming productions.

REVIEW:  Far from home in American Repertory Theater’s innovative world premiere of ‘The Odyssey’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Ten years have passed and Penelope holds onto hope her King will return while life marches on.

Actress and playwright Kate Hamill has offered new perspectives to various works including Jane Austen’s beloved novels Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma.  Hamill darkly re-imagines Homer’s epic Greek mythology poem and plays an exciting role in American Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of The Odyssey which is as innovative as it is thought provoking.

Directed imaginatively by Shana Cooper, American Repertory Theater continues its world premiere of Kate Hamill’s The Odyssey live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 16.  This epic production has adult themes, violence and runs three hours including two intermissions.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Members of the cast in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

I’m not a big fan of mythology, but who could forget the treacherous and conflicted journey of war-addled Odysseus as he perilously embarks on his journey home consumed by nightmares and at one point, even forgetting himself. 

Three hours may sound like a lengthy stretch of time, but this gripping tale picks up immediately into Odysseus’s perilous and monumental journey. It is a good idea to get a refresher on the tale before attending the production.  Homer’s The Odyssey is considered one of the most influential and most read mythological works of all time and Hamill’s reimagining mixes classic with the contemporary that delivers not only occasional moments of relatable humor but enhances the poem’s universal moral focus.

Members of the cast face Polyphemus in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

The Odyssey unfolds with Sibyl Wichersheimer’s dual level, Grecian and ship-inspired set featuring beige textured walls, hanging buoys, colorful and stylistically embroidered artwork, wicker and wood set pieces, and pristine tensile structured sails scattered throughout the stage.  Lighting and projection designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew with puppeteer Abigail Baird take inspiration from Greek illustrations for luminous shadow projections  who are often larger than life and transforming the set from a ship teetering in a storm to Hades itself or skillfully navigating shadows to augment a powerful giant and its threatening eye.

Wayne T. Carr, Kate Hamill, Alejandra Escalante, and Nike Imoru in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Led by Wayne T Carr, who is impressive as traumatized, tormented and yet resourceful commander King Odysseus of Ithaca, sacrifices, betrayals, and illusions are just a tip of the iceberg in Odysseus’s treacherous journey to find his way home as the Moirai, portrayed by Alejandra Escalante, Kate Hamill, and Kristian Espiritu, visit Odysseus’s dreams, nightmares and eat away at his conscience.  The Moirai have great chemistry and share a few darkly comical moments while they advise, taunt, discern and engage the audience while guiding Odysseus in his next step depending on his prideful wrongdoings.  The trio takes on  several roles throughout the production ranging from pivotal characters to adorable wild animals.

Alejandra Escalante, Kate Hamill, Nike Imoru, and Wayne T. Carr in The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

Overwhelmed and weighed down by his past, Carr illustrates Odysseus’s harrowing conflict through tragedy and despair after fighting in the Trojan war while agonizing over seeming impossible choices and yet, it is difficult not to root for him even as he follows the wrong path.  Jason O’Connell portrays a number of roles including Odysseus’s right hand man, Pilates and they share an intense and notable moment about prayer, miracles and blessings in Odysseus’s struggle as Odysseus looks on helplessly.  Carr manages to keep Odysseus’s plight sympathetic throughout his journey which quite literally includes the stuff of Hades.

Kate Hamill and Wayne T. Carr in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

Kate Hamill relishes her role as legendary trickster and temptress sea witch Cerce and is one of the most fascinating characters in the production.  Candid and condescending, Hamill brings to life Cerce’s provocative nature and possesses sharp and darkly comic timing as she tows the line between deceit, truth and cruelty while pushing others to the brink.

Keshav Moodliar, Chris Thorn, Wayne T. Carr, and Nike Imoru in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

Army vests, cargo pants, boots, fatigues, furs, sunglasses, embroidered capes, detailed gowns and majestic shawls are just a portion of An-Lin Dauber’s edgy and dynamic wardrobe.  Chris Thorn, Benjamin Benenfant and Kesev Moodliar portray a trio of raunchy, rugged and power hungry reveler suitors who relentlessly pursue Andrus Nichols as Penelope as they think the king is dead.  However, Moodliar as Amphinomus is kind to conflicted Penelope, as she raises Carlo Albán as her son Telemachus to become a warrior, despite his misgivings.  Nichols depicts a raw strength, shrewdness and fortitude as Penelope and she holds onto hope for her King’s return.

Andrus Nichols and Wayne T. Carr in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of The Odyssey. Credit: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall.

American Repertory Theater continues its world premiere of Kate Hamill’s The Odyssey live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 16.  This epic production has adult themes and runs three hours including two intermissions.  Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW:  Boston Ballet off to a brilliant ‘reSTART’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Boston, it’s time to reSTART.

Embarking on a journey from beloved local landmarks to overseas to inside the Boston Ballet studios, Boston Ballet’s reSTART amps up the excitement of their highly-anticipated return live onstage in time for the holidays.

With a versatile lineup that includes recently filmed jazz-infused contemporary dance, classic tales, traditional dance, and a season preview as well as a full range of costumes including street wear by Yin Yue and Jens Jacob Worsaae and Judanna Lynn’s spectacular royal fashion, Boston Ballet’s virtual reSTART, available through November 7, delivers an elegant and dynamic show for dance lovers everywhere.  Click here for more information and for Boston Ballet’s full season.

Boston Ballet in Yin Yue’s A Common Movement, photo by Brooke Trisolini; courtesy of Boston Ballet

Over the past year and a half, the renowned Boston Ballet has become much more than a force onstage.  It has been inspiring to see this sophisticated and athletic company in various settings, using creative and unconventional methods to evoke their passion for their extraordinary work.  Lighthearted, romantic, and refreshing, Boston Ballet’s season premiere reSTART demonstrates a brilliant new season to come.

It all starts right in the city of Boston.  Renowned contemporary choreographer Yin Yue delivers jazz-infused spirit into the Boston Common as fifty dancers brighten this beloved October landscape in A Common Movement.  In comfortable and modest attire, the dancers come together in a joyful and sweeping dance as horns blare creating a vintage vibe under a peerless sun.  With catchy tunes performed by Quincy Jones and Alice Coltrane, these charismatic dancers take over the Common with a swift beat in a smooth, mischievous, and calibrated performance enhanced by a slick dance by Maria Alvarez, Louise Hautefeuille, Lauren Herfindahl, Sangmin Lee, Ao Wang, and Patrick Yocum on the Boston Public Garden Foot Bridge.

Haley Schwan and My’Kal Stromile in Yin Yue’s A Common Movement, photo by Brooke Trisolini; courtesy of Boston Ballet

Clever choreography and digital technology bring together pairs Ji Young Chae and Tyson Clark and Haley Schwan and My’kal Stromile in an unexpected way for a fascinating performance in the Public Garden.

Boston Ballet delves into a classic tale with fantasy flair featuring Soo-bin Lee and SeokJoo Kim, a stunning duo as they perform a deeply romantic Pas de Deux in an excerpt from Romeo and Juliet.   Angelically adorned in a halo of ribbons and flowing gown by Song Bohwa and Hanna Kim, Lee is a vision in an idealistic dark forest.  Despite a hint of foreboding, Prokofiev’s score is uplifting and glorious as Lee and Kim enchant each other building into bursts of joy, seeming to move as one into an embrace.

Addie Tapp and Lasha Khozashvili in Jorma Elo’s Ruth’s Dance, photo by Brooke Trisolini; courtesy of Boston Ballet

From classic tale to classic dance, another highlight of reSTART features Bach’s soothing, piano-driven rhythms as Addie Tapp and Lasha Khozahvili perform a tender and delicate dance as Khozahvili quite literally sweeps Tapp off her feet.  

Muses take on full form as Paul Arrais beguiles inspiration as bold and fresh faced Apollo in a pivotal classic work which first brought choreographer Balanchine and composer Stravinsky together.  What is particularly captivating about Balanchine’s choreography is the mechanical synchronization between muses Lia Cirio as majestic Terpsichore, Viktorina Kapitonova as mysterious and foreboding Calliope, and Chryrstyn Fentroy as jubilant and charismatic Polyhymnia.  Their dance is meticulously precise as they rhythmically pivot in unison, at one point forming a beautiful silhouette until each have a chance to portray their own distinct chemistry with Arrais’s mesmerizing Apollo.  They join together, hinging onto each other and one might wonder who is in control.

The Boston Ballet kicks off their new season with virtual reSTART continuing through Sunday, November 7.  Click here for more information and a closer look at Boston Ballet’s new season.