Category: The Penelopiad

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

As costume designer, I’m working on over 30 costumes! Most are composed of modified items but some we’ll be sewing from scratch!

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Once they know what they’re in for (it’s a tough play, with a sexual violence), they should definitely come to see powerful women reclaiming their voices in a story that usually silences and erases them.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

The people! The cast and production team are lively, supportive and lots of fun to be around. They’re even better than the Costume Bank, which is essentially a giant walk-in closet, and I love the Costume Bank, so that’s saying a lot.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Misbehave more.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Orpheus and Eurydice. One of my favourite films of all time is Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which really sold me on their story and ill-fated adieu.

What is your name?

Stephanie Swensrude

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play Telemachus, the son of the titular Penelope and Odysseus. As a young man, Telemachus leaves his home of Ithaca to search out his father, who he’s never met. He’s bullied by the maids and suitors as he grows up.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Audiences will love The Penelopiad because it’s the other side of one of the most famous stories of all time. While Odysseus was out having his mythical adventure, his wife was living her own interesting tale. You know the saying, behind every great man is a great woman? Come see her story.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

A highlight of the show has definitely been working on a cast of all women. It’s such a different vibe and the work is approached in a different way. I feel so safe and confident making choices in a group of women.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice it would be that my wants and desires are valid, my emotions deserve consideration and to not let people trample on me.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

My favourite character in Greek mythology is Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, home and hospitality. She reminds us that our homes are places of refuge that should be calm, cozy and welcoming.

What is your name?

Afrah Collier-Potts 

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Lighting Operator, I have the opportunity to help bring the creative vision to life, set moods and tones, all while making sure the audience can see the brilliant cast.  

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

There is nothing more brilliantly theatrical then a team of incredible women playing multiple characters and telling an incredible story while doing so 

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Since I play a role later in the process, I haven’t been involved much to date. But during the casting process, there was a dynamic and diverse group of inspired people wanting to bring a story to life, and that creative energy is so exciting to be a part of. 

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stressing about things you cannot change is not useful. Find the joy in life. 

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Aphrodite, primarily because my name sounds similar and it was a nickname growing up. Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and there is nothing more beautiful in this world than love.

What is your name?

Logan Sundquist

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I am a sound booth operator! This means that I am the one clicking buttons in the booth to create sound for the show.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

The Penelopiad is just a beautiful story. A story that uplifts and empowers women while tackling an ancient Greek classic, it is truly the best of both worlds. The imagery is vivid and the characters are moving. It’s a must-see

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Watching the story come together has just been exhilarating to see, and because there are many moving parts and roles, both on and off stage, it’s been fantastic to see it all come to fruition.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would advise my younger self to just be yourself. The world ultimately doesn’t care what you do, so why not be uniquely and authentically you.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

My absolute favourite figure in Greek mythology is Chrysomallos. A lesser known character in the pantheon, Chrysomallos was the golden fleece before it was skinned. He was this golden furred ram with wings who saved these two orphans from their evil stepmother. A true legend.

What is your name?

Monica Stewart

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play one of the four main maids. The story behind the maids are truly remarkable. 

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Because one who doesn’t love theatre? And there is a powerful message and lessons that can be learned. 

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Just having a chance to connect and put myself out there. 

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t put yourself down; You are meant for great things.

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Anticleia/Maid

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s a retelling of another side of a pretty well-known tale, The Odyssey. It takes a look at a lot of issues that are still affecting women today. You also need to come see this cast – they’re all unbelievable!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Such a fabulous cast of talented, supportive, creative women! It’s created a lovely space for us to make magic in.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You’ll never regret being kind.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Artemis – Greek goddess of the moon

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I play Odysseus and a maid. In this story, instead of the returning hero, Odysseus is more complicated; absent husband to Penelope and murderer of her beloved maids.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

How many times do you get to see an all female cast onstage? With a female director? This play is full of haunting vignettes, a variety of genres and leaves you questioning whose stories are we missing out on.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Finally stepping on stage with the rest of the cast. In person!

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take a breath. You don’t have to be perfect. Stop worrying about what other people think and focus on who you want to be.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was a kid. I’ve always been drawn to the goddess Athena, but those Olympians are so petty. After reading Circe, by Madeline Miller, I’d have to go with her. I love that she was not a victim and learned to develop her power through hard work.