Tales From Ovid

Once again, the multi-talented cast and crew performed a truly impressive production when choosing to show their interpretation of 8 tales. I was glad the programme notes gave me some background information that since I have also been able to research. Hughes’s collection of 24 tales is based on Roman poet Ovid’s master work *Metamorphoses*, his 11,995-line poem chronicling the history of the world and the myths of the gods written some 2,000 years ago. Stage 2's production exemplifies a powerful and engaging adaptation of ancient myths. They presented the audience with a complex selection of eight of the most famous tales about arrogance, greed, deceit and ultimately what happens when you disrespect and disobey the gods.

The plays open with Jupiter and Juno, the king and queen of the Roman Gods, portrayed by Sebastian Parker-Duber and Deeksha Sharma. This tale's moral centres on not upsetting Juno.

Tiresias, played by Sean Domanski, a mortal, faces a task to determine whether men or women are better off. Transformed into a woman to aid his deliberations, Tiresias declares women as better off, pleasing Jupiter and angering Juno, who blinds him. Tiresias then becomes a clairvoyant narrator.

The tale of Narcissus features Tabaarak Pathan as Narcissus and Kadie Sowsbery as Liriope. Shivani Gohel portrays Echo, who falls in love with Narcissus, who only loves himself, eventually transforming into the narcissus flower.

Jupiter reappears; having impregnated the mortal Semele, played by Loaira Carvalhido-Gilbert. Juno's wrath leads to Semele bursting into flames; Jupiter births Bacchus, God of wine, fertility, and revelry, portrayed by Herbie Oldershaw.

Tiresias warns Pentheus, King of Thebes, played by Rudy Hudson, about Bacchus's power. Nora Bownes as Acoetes describes meeting Bacchus. Pentheus meets a tragic end as his mother mistakes him for an animal.

Arachne, played by Hannah Rust, challenges Minerva, portrayed by Phoebe Preston weaving forever as a spider upon losing.

Elliot Perrett narrates Midas of Phrygia's tale, transforming Bachus back into a God. Eve Hack-Myers as Midas turns everything she touches to gold, leading to misery.

Procne and Philomela, portrayed by Iris Baguley and Indigo Perrett, respectively, take revenge on Tereus, portrayed by Krrish Mehta, after he ravishes Philomela. Their revenge results in transformation into birds.

Bella Bailey's Apollo and Keya Sharma's Pan engage in a musical contest judged by Alonzo Holbrook's Tmolus. Pan loses, and Midas, portrayed by Bechus, receives donkey ears from Apollo.

The large supporting ensemble  all also had their part to play includes Mark Smith Alonso, Kitty Bateman, Clara Smith, Hiyaam Mahmood, Alice Heyes, Taya Bishton, Andrew Micdan, Kadie Sowsbery, Aleksander Hamey, Akshara Sunjay, Pearl Gunn, Lewis Grego, Rei Thronicker-McCormick, Molly Oldershaw, Evie Mumford, Molly Oldershaw, Rose Gilliam, Marianne Holland, James Woodman, Ono Mazaheri Hester Hawley, and Asia-Lei Waller.

The play integrates Greek chorus dynamics with individual performances. Director Roni Mevorach orchestrates tableau effects, ensuring no static scenes. Tim Supple and Simon Reade's dialogue demands clarity from the young cast, which although I personally felt a little overwhelmed at times, they deliver impressively. Special mention must be given for costumes designed by Bella Bailey, Akshara Sunjay, and Mark Smith Alonso, absolutely superb.

Amit Mevorach composes and performs the music, enhancing the ancient myths retelling. Stage 2's bold production merges classical storytelling with modern theatre elements, questioning power, justice, punishment, and human emotions.

Congratulations to all on yet another groundbreaking production, you never fail to amaze me. I can only finish by describing the play as a ‘work of art’.

 

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