By Sheila Martindale
Monday Magazine theatre reviewer
Some might talk about Greek tragedy as an acquired taste, that 100 minutes of weeping and wailing is, after all, a bit much.
With Trojan Women, the current University of Victoria Theatre Department offering, we should instead talk about the intense and brilliant acting of these enthusiastic young people, or the amazing use of the stage space at the Phoenix Theatre.
Sarah Hunsberger, in the role of Queen Hecuba, is particularly good, and one can’t help thinking how exhausted she must be by the end of each passionate performance.
In her notes in the program, director Jan Wood says this play by Euripedes is “a testament to the ability of the human spirit to withstand cruelty inflicted upon others in the name of war, greed, lust, vengeance, envy, intolerance, fear.” That pretty well sums up the tone and content of this play.
But don’t be put off by the fact that you may feel depressed or miserable at the end of the performance. Go for the enjoyment of such a lot of talent in one place; go to support and encourage our university professors in what they do to promote excellence in all aspects of theatre; go to experience of a play of a different nature.
Tickets and other information on for Trojan Women are available online or you can call the box office to reserve seats at 250-721-8000. The play runs now until Feb. 23.
editor@mondaymag.com
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