The individual against the state, one who would share knowledge versus one who would suppress it and the question of who amongst us gets to play god (in this case, quite literally)—these ever-topical questions are explored in the Aquila Theatre Company's fascinating production of Prometheus Bound.
Based on the ancient Greek work by Aeschylus (translated by director James Kerr) and first staged in the early 5th century B.C.), the play tells the legend of the god Prometheus (David Oyelowo) who took an almost paternal interest in the creature called man. But when he gave mankind the gift of fire, after stealing it from the gods, he incurred the wrath of their ruler Zeus and was chained to a rock on a mountainside until perhaps the end of time.
Angered at his imprisonment, Prometheus has lost none of his spirit or fiery oratory, perhaps due to his possessing the gift of prophecy. As such, he knew long ago about his imprisonment and the tortures he will face, as well as the name of his deliverer and events leading to Zeus's downfall—secrets no amount of pleading, threats or torture will make him to reveal.
Prometheus's greatest sin may actually be arrogance. This is apparent in his refusal to beg for mercy or accept aid from friends among the deities.
Prometheus's unwavering belief that he knows what's best begs the question of just who gave him the right to make the decision which led him to this fate. Yet even at the depths of his torment, Prometheus is not afraid to help others or speak the truth to whoever appears, such as a flock of birds (Therese Barbato, Autumn Dornfeld, Erin Krakow, Susannah Millonzi, Sipiwe Moyo) who act as the chorus and to whom he tells his story.
Oyelowo is nothing short of brilliant in the title role, commanding the stage and holding the audience's interest for this 90-minute work. He's helped immeasurably by the beautifully simple set by Paul Wills, which consists of nothing more than a bare stage and chains suspended from the ceiling, ones which resemble a giant wing span with Oyelowo in the center.
Kerr's direction is also very strong. The only time the play falters is in the beginning, when the god Hephaestus (George Bartenieff) agonizes a bit too long before binding Prometheus.
Powerfully acted and wonderfully theatrical, this play shows that when all is said and done, it only takes one being to make all the difference in the world.
Also in the cast are Michael Dixon and Julie McNiven.
Prometheus Bound
An Aquila Theatre Company Production
Presented by Classic Stage Company
136 East 13th Street
Tickets: 212-352-3101, 866-811-4111 (toll free), or www.classicstage.org
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication THE STAGE.
Feeds