Word: pentheus
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...their own destruction. She acts like a child, not a proud hunter, bouncing on her heels and screaming like a frightened toddler, without even attempting to act like the matronly woman she must have been before her raving Bacchae days. The result is perfect: as with her arrogant son Pentheus, the audience only feels sorry for this nearly-insane woman, rather than deeply empathizing with a noble character of unfortunate circumstances...
Although they have small roles, the First Guard (Robert Ross), the Second Guard (Dmetrius Conley-Williams), and the silent chorus of Pentheus's guards are also extremely talented. The speaking guards manage to be appropriately funny at otherwise tense moments, while still remaining in awe of the power surrounding them. But the most easily overlooked group of people on-stage, and the ones who deserve the most kudos, are the Chorus. Resembling the love children of Raggedy Anne and Courtney Love, replete with magenta dreads and combat boots, they prove to be an excellent addition overall. The dancing, chanting women...
...what is considered today as ancient Greece. A constant stream of sparkling confetti falling from one spotlight is distracting at first, but could be interpreted as representing the watchful eyes of the gods. The special effects are nothing short of amazing--the gods' wrath, especially the destruction of Pentheus's house, is truly frightening, and appropriately loud. An excellent lighting scheme also works to create a variety of moods, from raptured to tense to apocalyptic...
...which is quite appropriate in the patriarchal society of Greece (and today). He has the ultimate power literally and figuratively; and although they lust after him, the Maenads also sometimes engage in lesbian-ish petting of each other. In addition, a great twist is added to the "Pentheus In Drag" scene as Pentheus is suddenly 'reduced' to becoming another woman drooling over Dionysos. He surrenders his sexual power, and as a result, his political power as well. The mocking of Pentheus in a dress is very childish and reminiscent of third-grade, but effectively creates the mood of sexual tension...
...smirking Maenads that she is victorious, too. But who has really lost? The Bacchae are 'empowered,' so to speak, but look at Agave--she loses everything and is destroyed by her so-called 'victory.' At one point in the production, Dionysos smiles and says he loves all humanity except Pentheus, yet an entire city is ruined because some people didn't believe in him. In short, the gods are triumphant, and the people--even the fiendishly independent Bacchae--have to pay the ultimate price...