Word: phaedra
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...presentation of Jean Racine's deeply moralizing tragedy, Phaedra, truly embodies a level of theatee mastery, encompassing a seamless translation of foreign script, subtle adaptations of classic roles and overwhelming ambiance which emanates from a towering backdrop. Each minute detail, from exquisite costumes to on-stage blocking of positions, enhances the portrayal of this Greek tale of passion, deceit and inescapable fate. As an audience member, one becomes lost in the flow of events and the intensity of exchanges as the saga unravels in captivating sequence...
...Phaedra, a neoclassical tragedy of the 17th century, represents Racine's finest masterpiece of the theater and continues to reign at the forefront of classic dramatic literature. What distinguishes Phaedra from other plays of moral struggle and human vice is its impeccable portrayal of personality and inner debate through rich, introspective dialogue. The play itself is based on Euripides' account of Greek mythology in which a complex scenario involving Gods, mortals, family vendettas and suppressed libido interact in a whirlwind of death and revenge. The plot itself is a vast intertwining of story lines, rooted in a background of bestiality...
...haggard drama, even though the scandalous plot alone might not have raised an eyebrow in this age of steamy soap operas and histrionic performances. Through a combination of script translation by Paul Schmidt, directing talents of Liz Diamond and the acting prowess of the entire cast, this production of Phaedra is noteworthy for its modernity and multidimensional symbolism...
...unaware of the play's original language. Although not as eloquent and lyrical as typical 17th century verse, the clear and unbroken dialogue provides for effortless comprehension on the part of an American audience. As for individual performances, each cast member skillfully plays out his or her part in Phaedra's psychological battlefield: Randy Danson, in the title role, effectively relays the wrenching inner turmoil of her character, while Benjamin Evett instills Hypolytus with a sense of naivete and youthful nerve. Theseus--Jonathan Epstein--delivers a charged performance as well, with his towering stature and the gruff voice...
...York. The masterpieces began to flow, as they would over several decades. There was a cluster of distinctively American works, such as Letter to the World, about Emily Dickinson, and the ever vernal Appalachian Spring. Though a quintessential modernist, she was attracted to doomed classical heroines: Clytemnestra, Medea, Alcestis, Phaedra...