Penelope and her maids
Theatre / “The Penelopiad”, written by Margaret Atwood, presented by Crouching Giraffe and Papermoon, at Canberra Theatre Courtyard Studio until July 17. Reviewed by
SIMONE PENKETHMAN.
THE Penelopaid is feminist author, Margaret Atwood (of Handmaid’s tale fame’s) retelling of a grim story of Greek hero Odysseus’ wife Penelope.
For 20 years, faithful Penelope is left at home with their son while her more well-known husband sieges Troy for 10 years and sails the high seas of adventure for another 10. When he finally returns home he rewards his wife’s fidelity by butchering her hopeful suitors and hanging her 12 young maids.