By Joseph Szalinski
Diets have been all the rage throughout history. Germany had a Diet of Worms, Gandhi ate nothing, and lions in Rome ate Christians. Greece has been a hotbed of health fads, serving as one of the progenitors of the “Mediterranean Diet,” but before they touted the benefits of fish and fruit, they enjoyed the “Aegean Diet,” children’s pot pie. It’s because of this feast of champions, and maybe some additional sacrifice, that they can emerge victoriously in the Trojan War, which is discussed in Steel City Shakespeare Center’s production of Agamemnon, directed by Alexandra Hellinger and Lauren Scheller-Wolf, now running at West View Hubworks in West View, PA.
The first part of the Oresteia Trilogy by Aeschylus (the Daddy of Sadness)—Aggro Pokemon. No. Itchy Nimrod. No. Achey Samsung. No. Agamemnon. Yes—Agamemnon is a story about the titular king’s homecoming after a decade of fighting. While he’s anticipating a warm welcome, his wife Clytemnestra, of all people, is plotting his murder so she can get with her lover, Aegisthus. If the king gets a side piece, why shouldn’t she? Her new boo has a bone or two to pick with ol’ Aggy, which results in history’s most awful bath time. Taft’s got nothin’ on him!
The amazing actors are the backbone of this production, with most doing double duty in their roles, playing a major character and a member of the chorus. Bob Colbert is tremendous as everyone’s favorite Grecian knife block, Agamemnon. His booming voice and physicality make him seem larger than life. Sarah Elizabeth captivated as the conniving Clytemnestra, complemented by the vengeful Aegisthus, played expertly by Álvaro Muñoz. Colleen Nammond’s tremendous turn as Cassandra is foretold the moment she takes the stage. Trevor Buda has his eyes on the prize as the Watchman as well as the Chorus Leader, while Felicia Perez proclaims her prowess as the Herald. Anna Bopp, Soren Mills, and Joseph Vasquez round out the cast as impassioned players in the chorus.
Technical elements are sparse. Nearly nonexistent. Lighting is left to the ceiling bulbs. Sound is dictated by the venue’s acoustics. The handful of props and costumes merely decorate the world brought to life by the cast’s efforts. Intimate and raw, this 90-minute theatrical experience demonstrates the power of live performance.
Steel City Shakespeare Center is a terrific company that has been putting on stellar shows for several years. This is but the first production in an exciting season, and every play of theirs further proves that they are a staple of the scene. From age-old classics to more contemporary titles, SCSC has created quite a legacy for itself, inspiring and helping future generations of thespians hone their talent.
West View Hubworks is a neat performance space. Although a bit different from a typical theatre, it can still host feats of imagination and triumphs of art. Part of a larger organization that does so much to foster a better world, West View is lucky to be the home to a place where all kinds of folks can be dazzled by the talent and tenacity of people who love what they do.
-JS
Agamemnon continues its run April 17th-April 19th at West View Hubworks in West View, PA.
