Solemn, somber, eloquent but removed from our reality — that's the way most theatergoers describe Greek tragedy. The gods rule the universe, and we are caught in their web. With their limited vision and power, human beings struggle but seldom prevail. The best they can do is gain dignity and self-knowledge through their suffering.
"Electra," this year's Classical Greek Theatre Festival production, turns all these preconceptions on their heads. Instead of being overwhelmed, Electra and her brother, Orestes, succeed in accomplishing what they set out to do. Evildoers are punished, justice prevails and order is restored.
Marianne McDonald and J. Michael Walton's colloquial American translation of Sophocles' play emphasizes the often-ironic humor in the characters' words and attitudes. Some of the one-liners are worthy of Neil Simon. The result is a worldview that remains ancient Greek but finds life funny and sad, a mixture of elation and despair.
The translation has its payoffs and drawbacks. It makes the play very accessible but sacrifices some of its more serious implications. After all, this is a play about matricide and revenge, not actions to be taken lightly, so some of the laughter is disconcerting. Sophocles, however, himself does not dwell on these moral questions; Electra and Orestes seem completely comfortable with their choices and the consequences, partly because they feel Apollo approves of them.
"Electra" is the final chapter in an ongoing family saga. Years earlier, Electra's mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus, killed her father, Agamemnon, when he returned from the Trojan War. Electra sent her brother, Orestes, into exile to protect him and has been waiting 10 years for him to return so they can avenge their father's murder.
Electra has become obsessed by her grief and desire for retribution, and her constant lamenting might easily become repetitive and melodramatic without the empathy undercut by ironic insight that Melanie Nelson brings to her portrayal. Her Electra is a mercurial person who relishes suffering and rejoicing equally.
Director L.L. West's multigenerational, multiple-time-period approach also makes the play extremely accessible. Spencer Brown's set features broken Greek columns marked by graffiti and surrounded by scaffolding, and Erin West's costumes span time periods ranging from classical to contemporary. The three chorus members represent three generations, and their costumes reflect different time periods. Betsy West creates an acerbic grandmother, but Amanda Corbett and Eva TerraNova often speak too fast and are less successful in differentiating their characters.
The rest of the performances are strong. As Orestes, Max Huftalin is crafty and confident, the ultimate opportunist, proclaiming, "No lie is bad if it achieves its purpose." Hugh Hanson's affable Tutor exudes good advice and is a consummate storyteller, although his costume combination of skirt and pants is odd and unflattering. Allison Dayne is stylish, sensible and even-tempered as Chrysothemis, Electra's sister, determined to avoid controversy and confrontation. Barbara Smith's Clytemnestra hides her guilt and fear under a veneer of arrogance and self-justification. CJ Strong is shifty and sleazy as Aegisthus.
Abby Scott contributes original drum music, although it needs to take a more active part in orchestrating what happens. The Zorba-like dance at the end is an interesting idea but begins too awkwardly and abruptly.
This production of "Electra" may not be what Sophocles had in mind, but it is consistently innovative and entertaining. It certainly speaks to a 21st-century audience.
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Going Greek with "Electra"
"Electra" overturns preconceptions about Greek tragedy and creates an interesting and entertaining hybrid. Part of Westminster College's long-running Classical Greek Theatre Festival through Sept. 27 in several Utah venues.
Tickets • $15; $7 for students; the West Valley City performance is free. Visit www.westminstercollege.edu/greek_theatre for tickets or information.
Running time • 90 minutes (no intermission)
Salt Lake City
When • Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Jay W. Lees Courage Theatre, Westminster College, 1250 E. 1700 South
When • Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27
Where • Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way
West Valley City
When • Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South
Provo
When • Monday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m.
Where • DeJong Concert Hall, Brigham Young University
Ogden
When • Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Wildcat Theatre, Weber State University
| Courtesy Max Rutherford at Lounge Productions Melanie Nelson plays the title role of Electra and Max Huftalin plays the role of Orestes in this year's Classical Greek Theatre Festival production of SophoclesÕ "Electra," running Sept. 4-27 in various locations throughout the Wasatch Front.
