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Hecuba
By Euripides
In a new version by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Patrick Mason
At the Upstairs theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
312-595-5600, tickets $42 - $56
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays 1 & 7:30 PM
Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 3 & 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Running time is 82 minutes with no intermission
Through June 18, 2006
“The war cannot be over, the war is never over.”
“War can turn you into your enemy.”
-- Frank McGuinnes
Hecuba is a masterwork of Greek tragedy
Hecuba, Euripides’ tragedy depicting the horrible aftermath of a bloody war has been translated by Irish Playwright Frank McGuiness into a blunt, direct work rich in emotion of bitterness, hatred and revenge – the real effects of war. Directed by Irish director, former artistic director with Ireland’s Abbey Theatre, Tony Award winner for Dancing at Lughnasa (1992), Patrick Mason, takes a stark, almost empty stage to depict the ravages of war.
Set in the late 1930’s, Hecuba is the bloody story of murdered children, enslavement of women, the retribution of the victors and the revenge that eats at the soul of all participants in warfare. McGuiness adds power to the dialogue with his modern phrasing that still conveys the lyrical power of Euripides’ poetry.
Marsha Mason bravely plays the tormented Hecuba who suffers the loss of her children and her enslavement as the spoils of war. Mason was terrific conveying the vulnerability of a lost soul. Her slowly emerging hatred, emotional strength and ultimate transformation into an avenging mother was nicely developed. Mason actually could have gone a tad further in her emotional rage during the powerful transitional scenes.
Wendy Robie leads the Greek chorus in an emotionally rich performance and James Harms’ Talthybius, Niall McGinty’s Polydorus and Victor Ertmanis’ Agamemnon each conveyed the wrath of war on all participants. I especially thought Mark H. Dold’s agonizingly powerful take on Polymestor was chilling.
This short, stark and direct work is pure tragedy, pure anti-war that can do more to stop the madness of war than a dozen marches. Hecuba delivers a mesmerizing tragedy complete with vivid bloody scenes that brings home the horrors of war. With all the conflicts occurring around the globe these days, one could easily set Hecuba in a number of places. That is the real tragedy that Hecuba drills home. Kudos to Chicago Shakespeare for mounting this masterpiece.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed May 4, 2006
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