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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.