Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Friday, March 29, 2024
'The Odyssey'

Kailen Fleck portrays Odysseus in the University Theatre’s minimalproduction of ‘The Odyssey.’ Photo courtesy of University Theatre.

UW refashions greek epic ‘The Odyssey’

Translating an epic to the stage is a daunting feat, with the task of adequately portraying the lengthy source material in a condensed time period. Northwestern University Professor of Performance Studies Mary Zimmerman did just this, taking Homer’s “The Odyssey” and creating a minimalist, yet grandiose, stage production. This is the University Theatre’s newest play, which premiered Friday, Nov. 7.

Those who have read “The Odyssey” may remember the detailed retelling of Odysseus’ journey from Troy back to his home country of Ithaca, where his wife waits for him. The stories that Odysseus tells those who harbor him for safe passage are a mix of turbulent storms, scorned women and his perseverance to see his family again.

With a minimalist set design, featuring two small wooden ship pieces and various props, the focus of the show itself is on the actors and their performance. This kept the audience’s attention throughout both acts, and the versatility of fourteen actors helped to convey the number of characters Odysseus interacts with during his journey.

The standout character overall was Kate Mann, who played Athena, goddess of wisdom and courage. Mann’s performance was a strongpoint, and her intrusions on behalf of Odysseus, played by Kailen Fleck, helped the audience to understand her care for the man at the center of the wrath of the gods.

With the exception of Mann and Fleck, the other twelve actors on stage shifted roles over the course of the show. Two of those were Francesca Atian, who played both the Muse and Calypso, and Niccole Carner, who played Penelope and “The Teacher.” Both Atian and Carner were able to switch roles with ease, something that can be vexing for audiences.

The overall stage direction of the show was a fluid, well-constructed mash-up of dancing and exceptional theatrics. This can be seen through the mix of fight dancing performed by the suitors, and the battle with Polyphemus, the Cyclops that Odysseus tricks and eventually blinds. These directions meshed well with the overall set design and added to the performances of each actor.

Christian Inouye, who played Telemachus, among other characters, composed every piece of music throughout the show, which helped to split the show up. While some of the singing wasn’t perfect in execution, it helped to bring a reality to the scenes where someone would entertain a room of suitors or a king’s court.

In the second act, there’s one scene that stood out, head-and-shoulders, above the rest. In the scene depicting Odysseus and his crew passing the Island of the Sirens, five women came on stage, wearing various stereotypical female outfits and stating various things that men wish to hear. The kicker was when Carner, playing “The Teacher,” came up and started defining and saying synonyms of “women,” helping to blend a modern take on the male gaze of femininity and the female role in society.

Zimmerman’s “The Odyssey is an excellent adaptation of the sou”rce material, and the show features fantastic performances from both the main players and ensemble. The minimalist stage direction helps the audience focus on the performance of the actors, and the overall design of the show is extremely tight and well-constructed.

“The Odyssey” will continue showing through this weekend, with shows Nov. 13 through Nov. 16.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Daily Cardinal delivered to your inbox
Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Daily Cardinal has been covering the University and Madison community since 1892. Please consider giving today.
Comments


Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Daily Cardinal