The P enelopiad
Reconsidering the Odyssey with empowering
performances by a largely female cast
The Penelopiad, written by Margret Atwood and performed by
the Lower Sixth SSTC, is one of the most empowering pieces of
theatre I have seen at Sevenoaks School.
The play is a retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, but this time from
Penelope’s point of view. Placing the focus solely on the female
experience, the play follows Penelope growing up ignored and
lonely, culminating in total isolation as a result of her self-
imposed fidelity for 20 years while Odysseus journeys home after
the Trojan War. The play centres on the strength of the female
mind and the trials Penelope and her 12 handmaids face.
The almost entirely female cast brought the story to life through
heavy ensemble and choral work, weaving together a huge array
of performance techniques including song, physical theatre and
dance. The greatest triumph of this set in-the-round show was
the use of aerial rope work (a rigorous circus technique where
performers are suspended above the floor by free climbing ropes)
employed here to allow the female chorus to express themselves
physically; a contrast to the silence they might have maintained
in a patriarchal society. The impressive choreography and circus
tricks tied seamlessly into the action of the play, creating a
beautiful fluidity to the show.
The chorus in any play has a very significant role, breaking up
any static movements between scenes. The chorus in The
Penelopiad are almost always on stage, switching focus between
the maids and a variety of different characters from Penelope’s
life. These transitions occurred so seamlessly that the chorus
indeed felt like one character split into 12.
Penelope was played by three different actors, Zoe Burlinson-
Marcoul, Varvara Sycheva and Rhiannon Durant, all bringing her
tragic story to life with heart and intensity. Having different
portrayals of Penelope served to exemplify the growth in her
character, one which is often considered a singular figure of
faithfulness. These three really changed my opinion of her as a
woman. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance and, from
my perspective as a female, left feeling empowered and strong.
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Isabella Munday, Year 10