While Homer’s epic of Odysseus leaving his Ithaca home for ten years to fight for Helen’s honour in the Trojan war is well celebrated, what is not so well documented is the story of his devoted wife Penelope who was left behind. Booker Prize-winning author, Margaret Atwood penned the 2005 novella The Penelopiad, which was later adapted into a stage play. University of Adelaide Theatre Guild director Kirsten Telfer was excited to present this project in the University’s Little Theatre. With the theatre layout in the round, the work feels very true to the story.
The play embodies the tradition of classic Greek theatre, with Penelope’s twelve Maids acting as chorus, both as the maids and the suitors. Jane Ford as Penelope has the defining role as she narrates her life from babyhood, where she was rescued from drowning after her mother threw her into the sea. She recounts the moment when as a teen, she is betrothed to Odysseus and bears a son, Telemachus (Frederick Pincombe). Odysseus (Theo Papazis) leaves to fight in the Trojan war. In the play, he takes a virtual backseat to the action, which is centred on Penelope’s strength, courage and faithfulness.
Over time, several suitors start to ask for her hand in marriage, but all are selfish and self-centred and Penelope is cunning in her approach to holding them at bay. In Greek style, the chorus of maids transform into the gaggle of suitors with the addition of masks. Penelope is spinning a funeral wreath for her father and promises to consider marriage proposals when it is finished. Every night she undoes what she had done before to prolong the inevitable. She knows that a marriage would mean that she would lose control of Ithaca and possibly the execution of her son, but she remains devoted to the absent Odysseus.
Telemachus leaves to search for his father, and Odysseus returns in a beggar’s disguise to reclaim his place. Penelope sets a quest to the suitors to shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads to win her hand. Odysseus, in disguise, completes the task, reveals his identity and along with his son slays the suitors. In a shocking twist, he then has the 12 maids hung as punishment for being disloyal with the suitors.
The set is minimalistic, with the chorus in white robes, Penelope in a purple dress, Helen in a scarlet robe and Odysseus in a tan war tunic. The matching dresses of the chorus serves to unite them effectively. While the play has a two-hour running time, the complexity and depth of the story demands it and the pace is steady and strong. Telemachus grows from a confused boy to a strong young man. Although the story of Odysseus is generally considered heroic, in Margaret Atwood’s interpretation, we can wonder how true his motives were for staying away so long. Did Helen’s charms have anything to do with it?
Overall, it was a very satisfying and enlightening play that explores an alternative viewpoint to the long-held narrative. The UATG Theatre Guild have assembled a talented cast and crew to bring this story alive. The overall presentation hangs together harmoniously. From Kristin Stefanoff‘s music to Shannon Norfolk’s costumes, The Penelopiad is an epic story that has been given thoughtful and empathetic treatment.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended opening night on 23rd May.
The Penelopiad runs at the Little Theatre until Sunday 1st June.
Ticket link here
Photography by Maggie Morris of The Multimedia Emporium
