Directed by
Sarah M. Chichester
Adopted by
E.P. Coleridge
Trojan Women Presented by the American Theatre of Actors was a classical presentation from an old epic which was a classical favorite for most of us growing up in school "The Trojan War".
I remember in school the "point of view" of the women (both in the story and in the classroom), was never discussed nor was there any reference made to the woman's point of view. In this respect. This production is very welcoming and progressive.It is interesting that the play "Lysistrata" was very heavily discussed and given its "place" both in History and in Literature. Of course, Sex and Women go hand in hand (in the classical world), but women and politics don't seem to go "hand in hand" in ANY AGE!
Women are far more capable politically than men ever could aspire to be; greed and ego usually gets in the "way" when it comes to men. But women, married or single, with children or without, either happy or unhappy,will still unite and together defeat or edify a nation.
This is the situation in Mrs. Chichester's "Trojan Women". With the "turning point" or "culmination" of the war, the women are in conflict towards engaging in rightful action or "lying in wait". All the while the country is falling apart and, when they do finally decide to action,tragedy strikes, and the country folds.
This was a very cosmetic production, definitely in keeping with the classical beauty of speech, dialect and body language.
Although slightly mechanical and robotic, I would have loved to have seen more emotional exposition among the actors. Yes, they were honest and true to their characters. A concentrated effort was seen in keeping the classical "tempo" of the piece, which was successfully carried out. But the emotion just seemed too simulated for me, rather than genuinely felt.It sounded more like a recital than a performance-but still entertaining! I was surprised at myself for enjoying it!
Even among the most "seasoned" of actors, classical pieces, because of the language of the classical period, and emphasis on enunciation and dialect, emotional exposition is difficult. I mean, let's face it. It's down right hard, otherwise everybody would doing classical theatre
So I give the actors credit because it was a good production (if you're into classical theatre-and not everybody "digs" the classics, especially with the younger audiences)
Honorable mention goes to Actress Lisa Marie Alberty (Chorus) who, among the cast, was the most emphatic and whose emotional exposition was excellent and believable (rather than simulated)
Also, Actress Camilla Skoglie, although more mechanical in her delivery and the emotions simulated,remained true to "method", making her performance well above average. A true professional who gave a memorable performance as Hecuba, the matriarch.
Among the men, Fernando Gamarra possesses a striking "presence" which embodies the "opposing force" of Nature (as Poseidon,the God of the Seas), but also, as the "opposing force" as the plutonian politician (and much feared) Menelaus, King of Priam. Excellent performance.
This performance receives 3 OF 5 STARS!
