Theater Review: The Bacchae

Bacchae in the Park is, Well … A Tragedy

By Lauren Yarger
Euripides is a strange choice for the Public Theater’s second offering this summer in Central Park. With strange jealous gods, debauchery and a lot of Greek tragedy, it’s not exactly a fun night at the theater. It’s also not easy to follow, even if you’re a Euripides scholar, which I’m not, but most of whom seem to agree that this play isn’t one of his best. And, it’s not written by Shakespeare.

Hence the conversations I overheard among audience-goers prior to the show: “Do you know what this is about?” “I’ve never heard of it.” “It wasn’t written by Shakespeare?” “Who is Euripides? “Never heard of him” “How do you pronounce it?” “Do you think it will be as good as Twelfth Night?”

After seeing Nicholas Rydall’s translation of the play, directed by Joanne Akalaitis with an original score by Philip Glass and starring Jonathan Groff of Spring Awakening fame as the god Dionysus who throws a fit because the people of Thebes aren’t worshiping him, I can at least answer the last two: it’s “bock eye” and No.

I’m not sure the other questions are answered satisfactorily, despite four pages of notes included in the playbill, telling us about Euripides and his times, a map of ancient Greece and a family tree for the royal house of Thebes. Except for Glass’ interestingly haunting score, a nifty metal stadium seating set under which some cool flames erupt, (John Conklin, set design), some very realistic thunder (Acme Sound Partners) and strong performances by Joan Macintosh as Agave, a mother tricked into brutally slaying her son, Pentheus (Anthony Mackie), the king of Thebes, and Steve Rishard, who gives a terrific, if brief, turn as a herdsman, there isn’t much here to make me a fan of Euripides.

At first, I even liked listening to and looking at the the all-female, culturally diverse chorus dressed in flames (Kaye Voyce, costumes)and dancing to the choreography of David Neumann. They went on too long, though, and if what they were singing was supposed to help the plot along, I think I missed most of it....

In other words, this production is interesting to hear and look at, but leaves you wondering why the Public would stage this play, not at all popular or known, when there are so many great ones out there (like the Oedipus trilogy – now there’s Greek tragedy I get excited about), all just waiting to come to life in the majestic setting of Central Park. It’s a tragedy all right.

The Bacchae runs through Aug. 30. For information, visit www.publictheater.org.

Christians also might like to know:
• Greek gods
• Ories described graphically, but not shown
• Blood soaked corps with visible parts; severed bloody head and blood on hands
• Don't be fooled by the "Cross Dressing in the Park" advertising. One of the characters dresses as a woman to disguise himself.