The Shakespeare Theater Company (STC) at Sidney Harman Hall continues its run of
Ion (to 4/12). This new
adaptation of a rarely performed Greek classic by Euripides is receiving its American premiere. The play is part creation
myth (who are we?) and mystery story about identity (who am I?). Standard literary motifs are mined and resolved: a
god consorting with a mortal, an abandoned child searching for his parents (and vice versa), a religious pilgrimage, family
revenge, and last minute plot twists. If this sounds Greek to you (as it did to one you character), you may want
to consult STC's website
http://www.shakespeare.org/.The director Ethan McSweeny, employs a number of creative theatrical devices to move the story along for the contemporary
audience. Puppets, mobile props, and descending gods, for which Harman Hall is ideally suited, are used. A simultaneous
historical approach is taken, with characters in very modern garb. The chorus is re-imagined as a group of American tourists;
they break into the action parenthetically, delivering some of the commentary via musical numbers. They are accompanied
variously, and to good effect, by a cellist, saxophonist, and percussionist.
The cast was strong. Lisa Harrow
gives a very passionate performance as Creusa, scaling the upper range of her emotional register. Sam Tsustsouvas delivers
an excellent characterization of her husband Xuthas with his take-charge portrayal. Keith Eric Chappelle plays Ion with
innocence and wide-eyed wonder which morphs into rage and invocation, then acceptance, at the end. Dual roles of Hermes/Messenger
are played with delightful abandon by Aubrey Deeker who truly enters like a thunderbolt. Locals Floyd King and Tana Hicken
are solid in the parts as are Colleen Delany and the ensemble chorus. Harman Hall itself performs capably as it is wonderfully
realized by the design team. The comedy can be a bit campy, the scenes at times dissolving into skits; some laughs are
gotten in the wrong places, but this the trade-off you make for modern entertainment. The play runs 90 minutes without
intermission. Recommended for those theatergoers looking for something different in their classics and/or just
good entertainment.
Sound check: Average
Program notes: Outstanding
Applause
meter: 3 1/2 hands
