“The Bacchae” was an intense, abstract theater production. The play left many audience members in the theater wondering what just happened with its “dreamlike” quality. It was a performance that could be thoroughly enjoyed even though audience members might have been puzzled by the actual plot.
The play was based on the ancient Greek tragedy written by Euripides. However, the script was adapted for Oswego State by Matthew Gasda. Gasda did an excellent job with the script, crafting words that were poetic and beautiful. The script was simultaneously unclear and deeply moving. The script and its delivery came across like a slam poetry reading at times, and was often lyrical and emotional.
The setting of the play, according to the program, was, “Here and now. Also, and at the same time, Ancient Greece.” The play was a juxtaposition of heavenly and earthly, ancient and modern. To an average viewer, this made it difficult to follow the story line at times. However, there was enough to look at and listen to, making it engaging.
Audience members who do not have an appreciation or knowledge of Greek theater need not worry. The play was spectacular and surreal, an artistic production that could captivate almost anyone.
Henry Shikongo, an acting and directing professor at Oswego State, said the audience seemed to enjoy the show he attended on Saturday night.
“While I was watching, I was looking at the reactions of some of the audience, and it’s just nice to see people who aren’t typical theater-goers and their looks and surprise and the smiles and the shock about certain things,” Shikongo said.
Shikongo added that the energy of the audience has an effect on how the actors perform each night.
“Each show night to night will vary because each audience is completely different,” Shikongo said.
“The Bacchae” ran for approximately one hour with no intermission. The time went by quickly, captivating the audience and leaving them wanting more. The show was a visual feast with bloody, severed body parts, glitter strobe lights and a chorus in constant, colorful motion.
The cast was under 20 actors, but each of them brought a delightful set of talents to the stage. Nicholas Cocks played the god Dionysus and Khari Constantine played the role of Pentheus. Ana Richardson was particularly impeccable in her role as the Raving Ones chorus leader. The chorus members danced and giggled through the aisles in the intimate theater setting.
Every student performer contributed in lighting up the stage with dancing and constant motion. The long hours of rehearsals paid off in their performance, which was almost free from mistakes to the casual observer.
“I was blown away by the energy the students brought,” Shikongo said. “I think this is extremely difficult material, and I think they really fully committed…they handled this material with full confidence and no apologies, and that’s all you can really ask of an actor.”
Oswego State theatre put on this production, directed by Christopher Carter Sanderson, last weekend. “The Bacchae” will be performed again Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m in the Hewitt Union Ballroom. Tickets are $7 for Oswego State students and $15 for the public.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
