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The Persians
By Jenny Sandman
Joanne Camp i
(Photo: Matthew Shane Coleman)
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From a historical point of view, it's a very interesting play. From a theatrical point of view, it's fairly static. All the action takes place offstage; we learn of the battle and its outcome only second-hand, through a series of messengers. The Greeks were masters of exposition; their plays were chanted by a chorus of mask-clad actors, in a line, facing straight ahead. Occasionally one would step forward to deliver his lines. It's not a style that resonates with modern audiences.
The language is fascinating, almost Homeric: the characters speak of "sea-drowned cloaks" and the "holy vault of sky." The queen remarks that "Sharpest care is clawing at my heart." The strong in diction and imagery, make for an aurally interesting text, but the play as a whole is lacking in what Aristotle would define as spectacle.
For history buffs, this is a rare treat, a historically accurate demonstration of Greek theatre. Pearl Theatre Company's production -- the second in less than a year -- is faithful to the play's origin. The high declamatory style of the Greeks is maintained -- complete with long stylized choral chants -- but intercut it with modern choreography, bright costumes, and plenty of movement. Masks made of shaped gold mesh, rather like gold fencing masks and costumes that turn inside out, allows the cast of four to each portray multiple characters.
Despite its strong points, the result for this production is mixed at best. The actors are energetic, all offering strong performances, and the translation by Lembke and Herington is both lyrical and intense. It's a great play, but to modern audiences, it runs the risk of being ponderous.
For CurtainUp's review of a production that seemed to overcome the inherent difficulties go here.
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THE PERSIANS Written by Aeschylus Translated by Janet Lembke and C.J. Herington Directed by Shepard Sobel With Joanne Camp, Robert Hock, Sean McNall and Scott Whitehurst Lighting Design by Stephen Petrilli Costume Design by Devon Painter Set Design by Sarah Lambert Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission The Pearl Theatre Company, 80 St. Mark's Place; 212-598-9802 Through February 8 Reviewed by Jenny Sandman based on January 8th performance |
Mendes at the Donmar
Our Review
At This Theater
Leonard Maltin's 2003 Movie and Video Guide
Ridiculous!The Theatrical Life & Times of Charles Ludlam
Somewhere For Me, a Biography of Richard Rodgers
The New York Times Book of Broadway: On the Aisle for the Unforgettable Plays of the Last Century
6, 500 Comparative Phrases including 800 Shakespearean Metaphors by CurtainUp's editor.
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