This weekend I had the pleasure of attending opening night of the program in Educational Theatre's "The Eumenides." I can honestly say it was one of the best shows I've ever seen at NYU.
Professor Nan Smithner's take on the show was a deconstruction of different translations. She embedded flashback sequences and utilized her skills as a physical theatre director to fuel the show. As a result, the performance hit you in the gut - it was alive.
The very basic story is that Orestes has wronged the gods and the furies are chasing him, tormenting him until they demand a trial for his crimes. The furies really stole the show in this production. They are simultaneously one character and separate ones. Of course functioning as the Greek chorus, they finish each other's sentences and think with one mind. But these furies managed to develop little idosyncrasies that distinguished each one. The direction for the furies was extremely physical, and it was part of the fun to watch them writhe around and represent these other-worldly creatures.
The unexpected part of the show for me was that it contained so much humor. In fact, among the tragic moments, there was a hidden joy in the work itself. I felt like each person on stage was enjoying themselves so much - even the terrifying Clytemnestra - that I was pulled in willingly to this strange world. The trial scene with the addition of Athena was a highlight, as well, with its audience participation. Suddenly we became the citizens who were sentencing Orestes to his fate.
Check out The Eumenides this weekend on Friday, Saturday or Sunday in the afternoon. It's the perfect Halloween show and not to be missed.
-G
