Maenads
Tonight's entertainment was a production of Euripides' The Bacchae. I had a hard time with it; I was sort of tired and this sort of thing really requires concentration to overcome the cultural gulf between ancient Greek society and here-now. Monologues, a staple of this kind of theatre, are also tricky on the best of days, although I really can't complain too much about the delivery (other than that it was a little overdone at times). Not having read or seen the play before, I can't be sure, but I suspect the translation could've been a bit better, more colloquial, too.
There were a lot of little things that I liked. The scene was set with a little table/altar at the back of the stage platform, with some bowls and cups and a bunch of grapes on it. For reasons I can't really pin down, I found this almost trivially simple set-prop work to be really effective. The lighting was also relatively simple but effective: the whole stage area would be bathed in blue and then switch to neutral-white, or vice versa, or the white light might switch to a warmer, more incandescent yellowish glow at a scene change or mystical event, and really make you sit up and take notice. The scream of agony as Agave (Abby Harms) came to her senses was truly inspired.
Overall, I can't say I was thrilled, though. I certainly didn't think of it as wasted time or anything, but I don't know that I'd do it again if I had a do-over. I suppose I'm outing myself as a philistine again, but this kind of theatre really isn't my cup of tea. On the other hand, it might be just the sort of thing you'd like, if you like that sort of thing.
"How can I have a nine year old? I'm only 25, and have been for twelve
years." --Leigh Anne Wilson
Posted
by blahedo
at 12:00am
on 27 Oct 2007
It sounds like you gave the performance a fair shot, even if the play itself wasn’t quite your style. The Bacchae can definitely be tough—ancient Greek drama relies so much on long monologues, symbolism, and a worldview that feels miles away from ours. Being even a little tired can make that cultural gap feel huge.
I like how you highlighted the small details that did work for you. Sometimes a simple set or a smart lighting choice can do more to pull you into the story than any amount of dramatic speech. The way you described the altar setup and the lighting shifts makes it sound like the production had some genuinely thoughtful touches. And that moment with Agave waking up must have been intense.
It’s totally valid to appreciate the craft without necessarily loving the overall experience. Not every genre is for everyone, and it doesn’t make you a philistine—it just means you know your tastes. And honestly, Greek tragedy is definitely a “love it or don’t” kind of theatre.
Still, it sounds like an evening that gave you something to think about, even if it didn’t quite win you overIt sounds like you gave the performance a fair shot, even if the play itself wasn’t quite your style. The Bacchae can definitely be tough—ancient Greek drama relies so much on long monologues, symbolism, and a worldview that feels miles away from ours. Being even a little tired can make that cultural gap feel huge.
I like how you highlighted the small details that did work for you. Sometimes a simple set or a smart lighting choice can do more to pull you into the story than any amount of dramatic speech. The way you described the altar setup and the lighting shifts makes it sound like the production had some genuinely thoughtful touches. And that moment with Agave waking up must have been intense.
It’s totally valid to appreciate the craft without necessarily loving the overall experience. Not every genre is for everyone, and it doesn’t make you a philistine—it just means you know your tastes. And honestly, Greek tragedy is definitely a “love it or don’t” kind of theatre.
Still, it sounds like an evening that gave you something to think about, even if it didn’t quite win you over.Visit =
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