People tend to associate Greek tragedies with harsh descriptions like boring,"" ""hard to understand"" and ""a waste of time."" The University Theater's new production of Timberlake Wertenbaker's play, ""The Love of the Nightingale,"" may be a Greek tragedy, but it certainly doesn't mesh with those negative stereotypes.
Directed by Talish Barrow, ""Nightingale"" is a modern, feminist adaptation of a Greek tragedy. Its intimate, 15-member cast tackles several controversial themes that require mature acting from a relatively young cast. Throughout the play, the main character, Philomena (Katie Olsen), endures rape, betrayal and oppression by her brother-in-law King Tereus of Thrace (Andy Talen). Although these controversial themes aren't nearly as prevalent today as they are in the play, the characters do an exceptional job relating the themes to today's society.
The plot starts after Tereus and King Pandion of Athens (Charles Askenaizer) have won a war and Pandion allows Tereus to marry Procne (Chelsea Stockhaus), Philomena's sister.
While Tereus and Procne are in Thrace, she has a hard time without her sister. Procne asks Tereus to go to Athens and get Philomena. On the boat back to Thrace, Philomena endures the previously mentioned hardships, especially after she confesses her love for the captain of the boat, whom Tereus then kills.
Despite the tragic tone throughout ""Nightingale,"" there are a few times when the audience is relieved from all of the sadness. Although these scenes provide some guilty laughter, the play also incorporates comic relief through Tereus' servant (Danielle Waxtan) that follows Philomena around throughout most of the play.
In general, ""Nightingale"" is intense and action-packed. There is never a dull moment, especially with fight scenes as realistic as can be expected on a University stage. When not fighting, the characters' interactions with each other make it easy to pay attention to the play. Barrow and company did an amazing job weaving the action scenes in with the other parts of the play.
Although University Theater's production of ""The Love of the Nightingale"" may not be for the faint of heart, it is for anyone who enjoys action, unrequited romance, comedy and revenge.
