Agamemnon, the king of Argos and the father of Orestes, has been murdered by his wife who loves another man, and his daughter Elektra grieves loudly. and prays to the gods to help her find revenge. His son Orestes is traveling to the palace with a small group to revenge Agamemnon's death as well. His companions lie and say that Orestes has been killed, so that Orestes may exact his plans in secret.
This production freshens up a Greek tragedy that could have otherwise been stuffy and old. Elektra has a chorus of female virgins that support her and unsuccessfully attempt to console her throughout the play. The play is broken up by rhythmic acapella songs and chanting sung with the impeccable, ringing voice of Elektra, who is played by Stratford regular Yanna McIntosh, and accompanied by the strong voices of her chorus, who show their individual personalities while still contributing collectively, break the fourth wall by moving throughout the audience and singing to them.Important speeches are also rhythmically kept in time by a staff that they beat against the floor.
The acting is full of emotion by each actor, especially by Elektra, who physicalizes her rage and grief into every word and movement, making her performance vibrant.
Elektra is dressed in a schoolgirl-like collared black sweater and glasses, which is a creative way of modernizing the costuming and revealing clues about her character.
The stage is set up with a statue of a figure under a transparent sheet on long, lit up tables lined down the center of the stage. This is later to be revealed as Agamemnon's tomb. The whole stage is roped off around the edges.
The whole performance was captivating. It was one of those shows that pulls you into the story so you don't think of anything else for an hour and fifteen minutes,
Greek tragedies are always the best plays. Has this show already been done or is it coming up?
ReplyDeleteIt already happened.
DeleteNobody knows how to write a story like the Greek. Did you go and see this play?
ReplyDeleteYes I did. Unfortunately it's done performing now though.
DeleteI really want to see this, I think it would be really interesting. Do you notice that the quality of the play changes when directors interpret them differently?
ReplyDeleteIt can. But all of the directors at Stratford have tons of experience. You're guaranteed to see a good show if you go to the Stratford festival.
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