What is your role on The Penelopiad?
I am directing The Penelopiad. If the play is a ship, I’m the captain! I’m lucky to have an amazing crew to help guide it to our destination – Opening Night! There’s a lot involved on my side, from creative vision, to casting, to scheduling and running rehearsals and helping the cast be ready to perform. Each show is different and The Penelopiad is a fantastic challenge as it has songs, fight and intimacy, as well as sections of choral speech.
Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?
It’s a terrifically accessible version of the story of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and her maids who helped her while she waited for him to return. It also remains incredibly relevant today as it examines a woman’s story, told by women. Though there are dark moments that are challenging, there is also a great deal of humour and humanity.
What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?
When presented with a script with “songs” but no accompanying music, I wrote the tunes with my son, Gibson. This has been a terrific joy!
I’m also enjoying working with an all-female cast who are getting to show off their fabulous talent as they tell this story. The care and passion everyone is putting into the work is truly a gift.
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?
Hmmm… probably to work out more, and maybe to return to teaching sooner, but it’s hard to call because wrong turns have likely led to other good things I might not have.
Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?
I always liked Athena as she seemed to make good choices and didn’t seem to be up to much nonsense like her brothers. I’m also a fan of Owls, so there’s that!