By Lindsey Kelstrom
In an intimate setting at the Caine College of the Arts Black Box Theatre Friday night, I was able to enjoy a contemporary version of Homer’s The Iliad. Lisa Peterson’s and Denis O’Hare’s contemporary play entitled An Iliad takes the classic, and oh so very long Greek poem written by Grecian author Homer, and breaks it down into modern-day language and metaphors in an effort to make the poem’s story of the Trojan War more accessible and relatable to a modern-day audience.
Having read The Iliad in college and then re-reading a summary before the performance, I was naturally intrigued by how a one-woman act would be able to access the emotion, the depth and the intensity of such a classic poem and well-known story. In case you don’t know, An Iliad is typically a one-person act, and for such a big plot with so many characters which the Trojan War story includes, it seems like a big job for any one actor to successfully manage. But performer and co-director Tarah Flanagan pulls you in effortlessly by her movements as The Poet, telling the story and acting out many parts and characters, and her passion for the storyline, and her seamless storytelling skillfully compresses Homer’s Iliad down into an impressive, powerful 100-minute performance.
From the sparse stage, which includes a handbag, a ladder, a broom and dispensers of bright-colored sand, to Flanagan’s costume layers of different time periods being peeled off throughout the act to reveal her final current trending attire, to the subtle yet dramatic lighting changes, the symbolism just oozes from every minute detail and movement to add a richness and depth to the story, that in itself is like poetry. Speaking of richness, this version of An Iliad invokes the profound musical talents of Eva Scholz-Carlson who plays the role of a Muse, and who has consequently also composed all of the emotional beats and music using her cello, which resonate so much to the tone of each moment the poet shares. Even more impressive that Scholz-Carlson is a junior in high school. There is great chemistry and oneness in the performance between Flanagan and Scholz-Carlson, which helps add to the believability of a poet who lives through the ages to share what she’s seen with a musical Muse at her side.
Andrew Carlson works congenially as co-director with Flanagan to bring a cohesive, emotional and thought-provoking performance to light, in a production originally developed for the Great River Shakespeare Festival in 2017. Bruce Duerden brings a lighting design that tells portions of the story all on its own. I love when a certain change in lighting can evoke an emotional response from audience members. That definitely happens in this production. Jason Spelbring who produced the show should be commended for bringing a beautiful work of art to the campus.
Audience members should consider that there is language inappropriate for children and describes in detail violent scenes of intense gore, but is tastefully acted out. There is only one more night to see this beautiful, well-adapted performance of An Iliad, and with a resounding “yes,” I’d recommend you come to the USU campus for the opportunity to relive history in a way that is easy to relate to. Like an old friend sitting next to you to share a personal experience, be prepared, The Poet really will sit next to you in the audience, look you in the eye, ask questions, and make you feel like she is there just for you.
Caine College of the Arts Presents An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare
Chase Fine Arts Center USU Campus Black Box Theatre Logan Utah
April 26-28, 2018 7:30 PM
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Tickets: $0-$13
Contact: 435-797-3022
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