Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7.30 pm
Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 2 pm
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 7.30 pm
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 7.30 pm
Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 2 pm
Stockbridge Theatre, Derry
Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale and Alias, Grace brings us a provocative and wise retelling of the ancient tale, Homer’s Odyssey in which we hear the womens’ side of the story. “Now that I’m dead, I know everything.” So begins Penelope, the famously faithful wife of the Greek hero Odysseus, speaking from the afterlife in Hades. The Penelopiad flips the classical myth on its head, giving voice to the chorus of handmaidens. As Penelope fends off the attentions of greedy suitors, traveling minstrels regale her with the news of Odysseus' epic adventures around the Mediterranean, only to have him repay her and her maids' devotion with heart-wrenching ruthlessness. Full of music, poetry, and movement, this new telling of an ancient story echoes from the hearts of the maids and the powerful voice of a heroine with the fluidity of the original mythic material and resonance for today.
*This play is best enjoyed by well-prepared children 13 years and older due to some violence and language.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
Directed by Matthew Cahoon
Assistant Directed by Heidi Krantz
Lighting Design by Tayva Young
Choreography by Lorraine Chapman
Music by Jake Hudgins
Penelope... Carey Cahoon
The Maids... Emma Cahoon, Gina Carballo, Jamie Clavet, Teddi May Kenick-Bailey, Heidi Krantz, Rachael Chapin Longo, Sheree Owens, Katherine Proulx
Thanks to support from NH Dance Collaborative, this production features original choreography and movement created by Lorraine Chapman from Boston and original music composed by Jake Hudgins using the poetry of Margaret Atwood.