Tag: Member Profile

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.

What is your name?

Karla Martínez

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Kerthia/Maid 2. Kerthia is a bit sassy at times, my favorite quote from her is, “the fat one is getting impatient.”

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

I think this team of women are so talented. We sing, we act, we weave, and we get to be haunting and beautiful all at the same time.

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

Definitely the singing. I enjoy the melodies we’ve created but also the amazing harmonies I get to hear when all of us are singing.

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?

Make plans but write them in pencil, so you can erase them and create new ones as things will definitely not turn out the way you want. Life’s funny that way and that’s okay, all those plans will turn into something else entirely, and things will fall into place once again.

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

Hermes. He created the lyre (and music with it) out of a turtle’s shell, and then gave it to Apollo making him the God of Music. Hermes is also a guide (psychopompos) to Hades, he guides the souls of the dead from their bodies to the River Styx where they wait for Charon.

What is your name?

Brooke Emberly

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

I am acting as a Master Painter for this production! This means I help bring the designer’s vision to life by painting what the carpentry team builds! I also occasionally help paint props.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s an interesting take on a particular Greek Mythological story that isn’t as well known as some of the others.

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

Getting to watch everyone’s visions for the show evolve and work so well together as the play progresses!

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?

Be kinder to yourself; it’ll all work out.

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

Athena I think. She’s a technical genius when it comes to winning battles, both physically and mentally, and I think her abilities are super underrated.

What is your name?

Samantha Beck

What is your role on The Penelopiad? 

Oracle/Melantho/Maid

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It is a beautiful piece of poetic HERSTORY. This very talented cast and crew will move you to laughter, tears and most importantly- a new understanding of the feminine experience.

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

Sharing creative space with amazingly talented women who bring their most authentic and truthful work to every rehearsal.

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?

We can control one thing in life. Our responses.

It is best to focus on how you react to life instead of trying to control it. Also – gratitude always.

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

The Goddess Artemis. A lunar Goddess who never married and protected animals.

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.