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.
“CityNews” musical theatre writer, Bill Stephens (left), and playwright Bart Meehan, have joined forces to create a new play series on ArtSound FM public radio.
THE extraordinary longevity of radio as a live entertainment form is fast realising its potential for reinvigorating the art of playwriting, and Canberra is experiencing the phenomenon, too.
Over the last couple of years, for instance, The Street Theatre and Canberra Rep have staged radio plays, and the resurrected Papermoon Theatre Company has a podcast series, “Paper Moon Radio Theater”.
Now, retired admin officer at the ANU, playwright Bart Meehan, and “CityNews” musical theatre writer, Bill Stephens, have joined forces to create a new play series on ArtSound FM public radio that seems likely to continue into the future.