 |
 |
 |
|||||
|
|
READ REVIEWS GET IN ON THE TEEN SCENES TEEN REVIEWERS AND CRITICS LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF |
Paul Fitzgerald (Multi-TRaC, Spring 06) Paul Reviews Trojan Women at Stages of Learning  Considering the downtown New York venue, an anti-war message is not surprising. The power of theater to cast new light on modern dilemmas and to promote political and social change is undeniable. Unfortunately, where Trojan Women succeeds in concept, it fails in execution. Far from Euripides' original interpretation, Stages of Learning has chosen to modernize Trojan Women in order to make more clear the parallels to the war in Iraq. Anachronism, however, should only be used as a theatrical device when making a specific point. The divide between the Trojan women's formal attire and the Greek men's modern dress is a powerful juxtaposition. Here, though, the clash is too frequent and prominent, detracting from the show. No decision was made about which direction the play was to take. Televisions, flashlights and filming equipment amongst ancient ruins and archaic speech were visually unappealing and confusing. I personally would have preferred a committed choice to either full modernization, or to simply permit a more classical feel overall. Through the exaggeration of modern American programs like new talk shows, on-the-scene exposés, and Jerry Springer, the audience member is forced to admit this isn't too far from the truth. From the blatant bias of conservative news to the out-and-out obscenity of talk shows, the situations presented are frighteningly modern. The use of satire in is effective, but sadly, too much so. Surely, being conscious of the horrors of war for civilians on the front is vitally important. But disappointingly, the show fails in ever explicitly making this point clear. Purposeful over-acting, tasteless humor and an unbearably long Jerry Springer parody detract from the show's message. Perhaps Trojan Women was aimed at a younger audience (alhough the gratuitous cursing and sexual innuendo make me question that assumption). Indeed, there were several young children in the theater on the night I went. I would like to believe that they left with questions for their parents as to what is currently happening in politics. But this is undoubtedly positive, and considering the political awareness of the average teenager, gravely necessary. However, for a slightly more sophisticated theatergoer, the lack of commitment and subtlety leaves one wanting more. |