Performance Space 122
21 May 2008, 2000
Based on the story of Phaedra written by Seneca in the time of the emperor Nero, La Femme Est Morte is an interesting adaptation/creation written and directed by Shoshona Currier and produced by The Shalimar. The play features the basic story of Phaedra falling in love and lusting for her stepson, Hippolytus, while her husband/Hippolytus' father, Theseus, is away at war. This production puts a unique spin on the old story by adding text compiled from speeches by General George Patton, General Douglas MacArthur, and Winston Churchill; interviews with Lizzie Grubman, Mary Kay Letourneau, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Gwyneth Paltrow; and music featuring everything from Sublime to the Black Eyed Peas.
The outcome of this eclectic mix of influences that have been melded together is an interesting juxtaposition of ancient and modern times. Instead of a wife and homemaker, Phaedra is a star of the tabloids. Instead of a wet nurse, Phaedra has a personal assistant who ushers her to pilates classes and Kabbalah lessons. Instead of hunting for his people, Hippolytus is obsessed with boxing. And instead of fighting in the underworld, Theseus is at war as a member of the US army. Imagine a rock and roll tragedy (about 1/3 of the cast die before the final bows).
PS - The show won for Best Ensemble at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
100 in 6 budget: $216
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