Full cast and creative announced for major revival of THE PENELOPIAD
York Theatre Royal has announced the full cast and creative team for its major UK revival of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, directed by Juliet Forster, and running at the York venue from 10-31 October.
Joining the previously announced Amelia Bullmore (Circle Mirror Transformation, HOME Manchester) in the leading role of Penelope will be Nell Baker (The Deep Blue Sea, West End/Theatre Royal Bath) as Laertes, Danielle Bird (The Company of Wolves, New Vic Theatre) as Eurycleia, Olivia Burton-Laws (professional debut) as Naiad Mother, Faye Campbell (Bonnie & Clyde, Old Joint Stock) as Melantho, Pena Iiyambo (Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall) as Helen, Kat Johns-Burke (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Riverside Studios) as Antinous, Syakira Moeladi (The Waves, Jermyn Street Theatre) as Telemachus, and Charlie Russell (Fanny, King’s Head Theatre/Watermill Theatre) as Odysseus.
Adapted by Margaret Atwood from her critically acclaimed novella, The Penelopiad is a feminist retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, reimagining the epic through the eyes of Penelope and her chorus of maids.
Immortalised as the devoted and faithful wife to the glorious Odysseus, Penelope waits 20 years for her husband to return from the Trojan War, silently weaving and unpicking and weaving again. Now it's time to hear the story of those left behind...
Reimagining this ancient tale, Atwood gives voice to the silenced Penelope and her chorus of maids. Wandering the underworld Penelope spins a different kind of thread: her side of the story - a tale of injustice, betrayal and revenge.
Creative Director at York Theatre Royal, Juliet Forster, said: “It has been such a joy to meet so many brilliant women over the last couple of months, and what a phenomenally talented cast and creative team we have lined up for The Penelopiad! It is clear just how strongly this story resonates with people today, and I am looking forward to a rehearsal room buzzing with excitement and creativity.
“Margaret Atwood’s powerful script is so rich with wit and humour as she unveils a new feminist perspective on the familiar Odyssey myth. The show is interwoven with songs and exuberant movement and we hope to offer audiences an entirely different way of understanding the story of Penelope and her maids - and most importantly a great night out!”
Also announced today, joining the previously announced Juliet Forster, is an all-female creative team comprising designer Sara Perks, lighting designer Alexandra Stafford, composer, musical director and sound designer Kate Marlais, movement director Michelle Edwards, and casting director Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.