What is your name?
Mandy Stewart
What is your role on The Penelopiad?
I’m an actor playing multiple characters including Naiad Mother/Maid (Iole)/Suitor 4. They all have such different energies and physicalities. It’s been a really fun challenge bringing them to life.
Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?
The stories of Helen of Troy as the face that launched a thousand ships, and Odysseus with his trick of a horse full of soldiers, have been told and retold many times. But there is little of the loyal wife Penelope, the woman who stayed behind. I love twists on Greek mythology and this story is one of my favourites.
What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?
I was a fan of both the original book and the script before joining the show but one of the best things is being in the room with such a vibrant, creative, feminine energy. There is so much talent on the stage and so many unique elements that make this a powerful and moving production.
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?
Drink more water. Don’t be ashamed of resting and taking breaks. Advocate for yourself; while there are those who will have your back, you have to be your own champion first.
Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?
This is such a hard question for me. I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology since I was a kid; I’ve read so many plays and novels with the heroes and gods, took classes in college, and visited ruins in Greece. If I had to choose, it would have to be a tie between Dionysus, god of wine, revelry and theatre, and Hades, god of the dead and the king of the underworld. Both the original myths and the pop culture interpretations of Dionysus and Hades have captured my imagination for years.