THE STAGE EDIT: THE ORESTEIA
Just after half six in the evening of the last week Wednesday, the clouds were a charcoal grey and teasing all those below with trickles of rain. I made a mad dash to HOME straight after work to kick-back, have a drink and finally get to watch The Oresteia in its entirety.
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Once the bell rang signalling the play was about to start, I gathered my belongings and made my way to my seat where the stage was at eye-level making me look up at the actors and actresses as though they were the Greek gods their characters prayed to. The lights dimmed, a few members of the cast took their places on stage - one hoisted high up above us all, our first guiding light for the night -, the audience settled into their seats and then, silence hung imposingly in the air.
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Daniel Millar (Leader of the Male Chorus), Hedydd Dylan (the Watchman), Gary Shelford (Agamemnon), and members of the Male Chorus in The Oresteia, translated by Ted Hughes, directed by Blanche McIntyre. Presented by HOME Manchester (23 Oct - 14 Nov 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
This production of Aeschylus' highly praised trilogy, The Oresteia - a Greek tragedy - was beautifully put together under the direction of Blanche McIntyre, an award-winning director, and had a number of high points. At first, I braced myself for dialogue in a version of English similar to that used by Shakespeare but was presently surprised by the contemporary words spoken by the cast (I guess I may have Ted Hughes to thank for that as it is his adaptation of The Oresteia that was used). It allowed one to sink into the world being shown before us a lot easier as did the set design. At one point, mist hung in the air, unmoving, like it was a snapshot of time spent in the fog. Then the light brightened, oozing out a warmth that made it feel as though the stage had become a dessert and the actress caught in the rise of a sandstorm. It was brilliant!
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Ronkẹ Adekoluejo (Leader of the Female Chorus) with members of the Female Chorus in The Oresteia, translated by Ted Hughes, directed by Blanche McIntyre. Presented by HOME Manchester (23 Oct - 14 Nov 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
At the preview event we were told that the chorus (comprising of 59 volunteers) would play an integral role in this story and they did. When one actor or actress spoke, your attention gravitated to them well enough but when the community chorus voiced their opinions in unison, the energy and power that emanated from them commanded unwavering attention. Sometimes, it was a little difficult to understand exactly what they were saying with of many of them saying the same lines at once, however, listening to the citizens openly declare their views on what is right... what is wrong... justice... made me wonder if we all agreed on something and boldly expressed our thoughts on that issue constructively, just how effective could we be in making a difference?
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Simon Trinder (Orestes) with The Furies in The Oresteia, translated by Ted Hughes, directed by Blanche McIntyre. Presented by HOME Manchester (23 Oct - 14 Nov 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
It has to be said though that the cast for this production were amazing. Those that played the part of the furies did a remarkable job; moving as one living breathing organism though each one moved in a unique, unsettling manner. And there was a scene I remember quite clearly that featured the character, Aegisthus. He spoke, devoid of fear and filled with glee at the news delivered to his ear, planting a kiss on the forehead of the one who delivered the blow that brought him the justice he so patiently waited for. It was done so tenderly but the circumstances surrounding the kiss made it feel so (rightly) wrong. Four of the six main cast members played several roles and did so seamlessly. There was a clean distinction between them all and after a while you forget they were another character not too long ago. Ronke Adekoluejo was the Leader of the Female Chorus; Hedydd Dylan played Athene, Cassandra, Nurse and Watchman; Lyndsey Marshal played Clytemnestra; Daniel Millar was the Leader of the Male Chorus and a servant; Gary Shelford played Agamemnon, Electra and Apollo; and Simon Trinder played both Orestes and Aegisthus. The cast gave such good performances, it was hard not to follow along and wonder what was going to happen next especially if you are not familiar with the play.
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Lyndsey Marshal (Clytemnestra), Hedydd Dylan (Cassandra), and Gary Shelford (Agamemnon) in The Oresteia, translated by Ted Hughes, directed by Blanche McIntyre. Presented by HOME Manchester (23 Oct - 14 Nov 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
All in all, The Oresteia was a dark, gripping tale that highlighted the different shades to justice with the right amount of humour and wonder. If you do get the chance to see it I would love to know your thoughts on this piece. And if you would like to see the play (runs until 14th Nov), you can get your tickets here. For those who want to find out more about The Oresteia, here is a piece by University of Manchester Classics lecturer Roberta Mazza who helps put this play in context. Also, a couple ATMS interviews with some of the cast will be making their way to you this Friday so look out for that. Hope you are having a great week so far!
Mo x
*All photographs are courtesy of HOME. Please contact them for permission to use the images if you would like to.*