reviewvancouver: The Penelopiad

Here we have Margaret Atwood’s hand at writing her first play. I enjoyed her novel twist on Homer's The Odyssey which was originally a poem of Greek mythology written at the end of 800 BC. Director Vanessa Porteous brought to life Atwood’s intellect and wit which amused the audience throughout the performance. Atwood allows us to see Penelope’s view of her mythical life that was not explained in epic poem.

Penelope (Meg Roe) stands solo centre stage and tells us the explicit story of her life -- childhood, marriage, her strange nymph-like mother and an adulterous husband, Odysseus, King of Ithaca. who goes to fight in Troy leaving Penelope to fend for herself . He is away for twenty years. Penelope speaks of the gossip that surrounds her. It causes her great anguish since she has been a faithful wife who is not aware of he fate of her husband.

The entire cast are women who play both male and female roles. A challenge but well done.

On opening night, one particular scene brought a roar of laughter. Four family members made a thunderous sound with their utensils as they sat at a table eating and talking. This was absolutely refreshing humor. One minute it was silent as they talked and the next was a simultaneous metallic drumming on their plates as they ate. This was a very funny animated portrayal of family and was truly one of the highlights in the play.

The back of the stage was black and in the foreground were long thick white ropes that hung down in varying lengths. Using evenly spaced ropes was unique: the color of the lights hit the ropes and changed them from water effects to hellish red lines and eventually, to hangman nooses that were also used to hang Penelope’s maids. A great stage effect! How powerful a simple stage backdrop can be!

The volume for Penelope’s soliloquy could have been louder for the benefit of the audience in the back. Despite that, Roe did an amazing job as Penelope. She conveyed Atwood’s sense of cerebral humor with ease and confidence. The musical portrayal of sailors added a shot of energy to the play since there were periods where the play was a tad slow.

If you like Margaret Atwood’s wit and intelligent sense of humor, as there really were some great lines in this play, then I would recommend seeing this production -- an unusual portrayal of a traditional tale of an unfortunate, desperate wife.