‘Who started it?’ After the annual family vacation, I am more than familiar with this question. It’s an inquiry not unique to this generation. My 6 year old nephew, Noah recently proclaimed, ‘kids make me sick.’ The declaration refers to his cousin, 4 year old Grace. The justification for acts of unkindness seems no different than the logic behind any war. Inconceivable Theatre presents the world premiere of THE TROJAN WAR or How one Bad Apple Spoiled The World. For 3,000+ years, a quartet of historical figures has debated who started the Trojan War. The short answer, Paris abducted Helen from her husband. The King of Sparta declares war on Paris’ homeland. Is it that simple? The long answer, the goddess Eris gets snubbed on a wedding invite. She retaliates by creating a golden apple to be awarded to the fairest. Aphrodite competes against other goddesses for the title. They allow a mortal, Paris, to decide. Aphrodite bribes Paris with the legendary beauty Helen as his reward. So, Paris gives Aphrodite the apple. So, who started it? THE TROJAN WAR or How one Bad Apple Spoiled The World lets history repeat itself from the mouths of the gods.
Playwright Jessica Puller does a great job streamlining the comprehensive Greek myth. She uses four main characters to narrate their versions of the events leading up to the war. Within these recollections, the four actors take on other personas for the reenactments. For the extensive gods-goddesses-mortals stories within stories, Puller keeps the mythology lessons simple in bite-size slices. Puller sets this clever adaptation into a contemporary framework. The platform for all the reminiscing is that the goddesses now have an audience... us, the theatre crowd. It’s an interesting idea that gets a little stilted. Some contemporary references are funny but some are awkward. Ultimately, the bickering buffoonery is just annoying. Aphrodite, in particular, whines like an un-goddess-like nuisance.
Despite the unappealing framework, the core of the show is indeed mythical. Under the direction of Tony Dobrowolski, the essences of the storytelling are a nice balance of educational and entertaining. Dancing and chanting, the trio of ladies keep a level of mysticism in the mating rituals of the gods and the helplessness of mortals. A standout, Stefanie Johnsen (Helen) captivates with regality and disdain. Johnsen animatedly plays Helen with smug confidence. For being the goddess of discord, Mary K. Nigohosian (Eris) unites the group with an upbeat vibe. Nigohosian radiates an understated authority as the goddess in charge. Throughout the show, Dobrowolski uses voiceover quotes to transition scenes. The powerful excerpts describe reactions to war throughout the ages. Impactful!
So, who started it? Similar to family conflicts, it becomes obvious everybody involved played a role. THE TROJAN WAR or How one Bad Apple Spoiled The World is a lesson learned.
Running Time: Seventy-five minutes with no intermission
At Apollo Studio Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln
Written by Jessica Puller
Directed by Tony Dobrowolski
Sundays at 7pm
Mondays at 8pm
Thru August 29th
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