This was a play at the Folger Theater, in Washington, DC, and one of the best I’ve ever seen. it’s a Shakespearean type play (actually written by Euripides over 2,000 years ago). When the actors use the typical language of the era, it’s just too hard to understand.
But this play had been updated, so the actors used “normal” language, and even wore conventional clothes. It was kind of shocking to see Mentes, a sea captain, come onto the stage directly off his ship and appear in a suit and tie. But then again, the play was full of surprises.
And the word “tragedy” is an apt byline for this “romp.” Orestes and Electra are being judged by the townspeople for murdering their mother, who in turn, murdered their father, for being unfaithful. And that’s just for starters.
Even though I had trepidations, the reviews were all good, so we took a chance. KK and I drove up last night, and back to Richmond, after the show. Fortunately, the play started at 7:30, so we were back home by midnight.
One of the more interesting parts of the show was the four girl “chorus” that made comments in the background about events happening on the stage. They also provided background music acapella, and a few songs here and there. They were very effective.
The acting was superb, and there were some great comedy lines, too. Like one of the actors commenting on the fact that the play is about Orestes and Electra having murdered their mother: “Not a great commentary on the relationship between parents and siblings.” Several of the actors entered the play from the theater foor, and even performed from there. It’s a small, intimate venue, so this really made you feel like you were a part of the show.
The Folger Theater is literally one block from the nation’s capitol. As you walk up to the front of the theater, you can turn west and literally one block away, you have an awesome view of the capitol building, from the rear. So, it’s not hard to find. Parking is a problem, but we got lucky–you can park on the street, but it’s tough to find a spot, and we happened to find one. Note–there is a parking lot (free), at 3rd and Asine. We saw it as we walked by. It’s posted for no parking, but only up until 6 pm. And it’s only one block away from the theater.