Intimate Theater Setting Provides Direct Connection Between Actors and Greek Characters

Written by Christopher S.

(2007)

     The Pearl Theater in Manhattan is not a typical performing arts theater in that because of its size, the artistic director has to contend with small-scale production, fewer actors, and smaller audiences. However, after watching a contemporary production of Euripides’ Hecuba, it becomes apparent that the size of the theater does not impair the actors’ ability to convincingly propel a storyline. The tremendous skills of Joanne Camp who plays Hecuba and Dominic Cudkern who plays Polymestor are not in any way hampered by the intimacy of the setting.

     Upon entering the theater, it becomes apparent that this will be an unorthodox production. The stage is small and unelevated, the seating space is minimal and the lighting equipment is crammed in the ceiling. When compared to other performing arts shows, this setting appears to be impaired – as if the actors will need more to work with to put on their best performance. Yet, once the show gets underway, physical space is no longer a factor to the play’s delivery. In fact, the intimate setting provides a direct connection with the audience. The actors are able to focus on their roles and the viewers are not distracted by lavish scenery. The ceiling, littered with what looks like an avant-garde metallurgy latticework, houses hundreds of stage lights and speakers that change with every nuance in the play.

     Conventional needs of the play are covered well, including spectacular acting, costume design, vocals, and music. Most noticeable to the very observant viewers are the subtle changes throughout the play. When Hecuba and her accomplices blind Polymestor and murder his children, the involved actors return to the stage with red rags streamed along their clothes and wrapped around their hands, replacing the immaculate white ones. When Polymestor appears on stage blinded, red streamers of the same color are strewn from the eyes in his mask. The effect is a haunting image of a crippled man that is done very effectively with a small modification. Small changes like these demonstrate that the director took many minute details into consideration, thus rendering a clear and strikingly effective production.

      In short, Hecuba is a great play that is skillfully packaged. Watching this play is an intense experience that leaves the viewer with much to think about. Here, small size makes a big difference - a good one!