What I liked
This is so thoroughly different in flavor than what I’m used to seeing on the stage. The stark set design, the cleverly designed masks and makeup, the costumes, the stylized choreography, the declamatory orations. I really liked how dramatic beats were emphasized — physical reactions by the players punctuated with percussion. Everything combined in such a way that I felt like I had a glimpse into the past as to what it MIGHT have been like to attend a public performance in ancient Rome.
And the phalluses. Nice touch.
What I didn't like
I enjoyed the history lecture at the beginning, but it felt a little bit long. Also, I would vary just a little bit what that percussionist is doing while the audience is being seated.. Is it a recorded loop? It felt like a 2-bar pattern being repeated over and over and over some more, for what seemed like forever, but was probably more like 10 minutes. Irritating.
There were times when, as an audience member, I wanted to boo the villain, or exclaim in response to the injustices detailed by Amphitryion, etc. — react out loud to what was occurring on stage, in addition to the spots where the action caused spontaneous laughter. I just wasn’t sure if that kind of participation would have been expected or appropriate, as you mentioned that these types of spectacles were sometimes religious in nature.
My overall impression
How often do you get a chance to see a carefully researched and lovingly reproduced play from 50 BC? Artistic Director Christopher Johnson and The School of Night offer the audience a rare theatrical experience. Go.
