By Bryan Stubbles
Prometheus Bound at the Classical Greek Theatre Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah gives us a glimpse into ancient Greek theatre. The play is written by Aeschylus, translated by William Matthews, directed by Emilio Casillas, and produced by Melanie Nelson for Westminster College.
Kratos (Michelle Lynn Thompson) and Bia (Louise Dapper), servants of newly-minted boss god Zeus, along with Hephaestus (Allen Smith), lame blacksmith to the Gods, chain the Titan Prometheus (Aaron Adams) to a rock as punishment for giving hope—and fire—to humans. The Oceanids, or water spirits, (Megan Sparrer, Michelle Lynn Thompson, Louise Dapper, Carlie Young, Bailey Sill and led by Suni Gigliotti) stop by. They lend a sympathetic ear and act as a chorus. Then their father Oceanus (Allen Smith) comes by to reason with Prometheus, to no avail. Io (Carlie Young), a woman who may have more problems than Prometheus (she is the object of Zeus’ lust and is fleeing him), also visits. Finally, the messenger Hermes (Megan Sparrer) delivers a final warning to Prometheus to accept Zeus’ rule.
Justice is a major theme of the play, including justice for Prometheus and justice for Io. Another major theme, explicitly stated by Prometheus, is that one cannot change Fate. Later a character says, “Destiny overwhelms intelligence.” Human nature is also analyzed, when another character chides Prometheus that he “regarded humans too highly.”
The first thing that stands out is Spencer Brown’s set design and lighting. Working with a play where the main character is essentially chained up the entire time can be . . . constraining. However, the stationary set which Prometheus is bound to is quite interesting and stands as a work of art by itself. The lighting at times creates fire-like and smoke-like effects as well as the requisite lightning. The sound and music composition by Katelyn Limber are both memorable. The music complements the characters’ speech, and the sound effects, particularly the thunder, are chilling.
Bailey Sill’s choreography works wonders, particularly with the chorus—their graceful (and at times frenzied) movements accentuate Prometheus’ rockbound existence. Having a fluid chorus instead of a static one is a winning choice. Speaking of movement, Louise Dapper as Bia, the manifestation of violence, makes magic with a role that requires her to wear a frighteningly surreal costume (designed by Andrea Davenport) and to speak no lines. She uses what are normally limitations to her character’s advantage. Bravo!
While on the topic of costuming, Davenport’s costumes suitably attire the cast as one would imagine an ancient Greek play should. Hermes has the shoe-wings, for example. Io’s costume expresses her conflicted and tortured state.
In a way, Io serves as a foil to Prometheus. Both seek release from pain caused by Zeus, but Adams’ Prometheus has a sarcastic wit to him while Io is suffering and needs answers. Zeus hates Prometheus. Zeus lusts after Io. Young’s devastatingly believable interpretation of Io shows how painful unwanted romantic attention can be. The Oceanids act as an exemplary chorus whose parts equal the sum and are aptly led by Gigliotti. Thompson projects strength as Kratos, Smith is sympathetic as Hephaestus, and Sparrer brings a youthful quality to her role as Hermes.
Director Casillas, stage manager Dylan McKernan, choreographer Sill, and assistant director Sam Allen all make good use of the available stage space. Dramaturg Jim Svendsen gives an insightful lecture 30 minutes prior to every performance that you can attend for free!
Prometheus Bound is basically family friendly—the thunder, lightning and a freaky Bia might make this show PG at worst. But the realization that Fate trumps intelligence should frighten everyone, and this play’s themes are excellent reason for you to make time to come and see it. An interesting thing about this show is that it’s travelling to various venues along the Wasatch Front, so pay close attention to the tour schedule.
Westminster College presents Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus at the Classical Greek Theatre Festival.
Follow the ticket link below for performance times and locations.
Tickets: $18 Adults; $15 Seniors 65+; $8 non-Westminster students with ID; Free to Westminster students, faculty, and staff with ID at box office
Classical Greek Theater Festival Facebook Page
Prometheus Bound Facebook Event
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