What is your role on The Penelopiad?
I play the role of Penelope who is such a fascinating character to portray. There is so much about her life that is out of her control and for the first time we are able to see how intelligent and self-determined she has to be in order to survive. However, we also get a glimpse of this other side of Penelope that’s wonderfully executed through the twelve maids: how her actions not only negatively impacted herself but also the other women around her.
Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?
There is so much to this story! There’s love, danger, sadness and even laughter. The greatest thing about this play is that it draws you in. Even those familiar with the Odyssey will be pleasantly surprised as this play offers a new perspective to such a classic tale, which really shapes the narrative.
What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?
By far the cast! Everyone working on this has shown such a level of commitment and support that just really makes it a fun and comfortable space to work in.
In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Have faith in yourself. I think we worry too much about making the wrong decisions, but sometimes those decisions lead us down interesting paths we never would have pursued in the first place.
Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?
I would have to say Penelope. I had initially considered her a fairly one-dimensional character, but since getting the opportunity to play her my opinion on her has changed dramatically. She’s witty and headstrong. In The Penelopiad, she’s given agency by suggesting that her actions were not just out of devotion for Odysseus, but strategic moves to keep herself and her son alive.