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Ismene
By Jeremy Menekseoglu
Produced by Dream Theatre
At Side Project Theatre
1439 W Jarvis
Chicago, IL
Tickets: 773-973-2150 or www.dreamtheatrecompany.com, $15
Thu-Sat at 8:00, Sun at 7:00 (additional performance Mon, Jan. 21st )
Running time is 1 hour 50 minutes with one intermission
Through Jan. 27th
Damn the Gods
Dream Theatre Artistic Director Jeremy Menekseoglu’s new Ismene is high art. In this totally accessible and unpretentious telling of Antigone’s milquetoast sister, the overshadowed heroine reveals herself as savior of humanity. For those who slept through Greek mythology in high school, a ten-minute trek through the Wikipedia might add to the enjoyment of this play, but even that modest effort is unnecessary. The details of the sad story of Oedipus, his offspring, and the longsuffering house of Thebes are all made plain through genius dialogue and exceptional acting.
Set in an ancient and timeless refuge cum prison that reminds me of a Victorian girls’ school in an Edgar Allen Poe tale, a group of women are hidden away from the powers of fate. All have lived out their usefulness as pawns in a prophecy and served their only purpose as insignificant tools for the amusement of cruel gods. But with the arrival of Ismene in their midst, one is sheltered there whose story has not yet ended and fate is in hot pursuit. What ensues is chilling, a fantastic journey into the meaning of human existence and a head-to-head confrontation with the gods that brings the audience frighteningly close to the action. This little piece of fast-paced classicism isn’t quite a horror film, but the audience is a character in the play and they, too, are trapped in a most uncomfortable situation.
While Dream Theatre is undeniably a showcase for the hyper-talented Mr. Menekseoglu, it is also home to a collection of actors who are among the most talented in the city. While brilliantly written, this show would fall apart without masterful acting and superb ensemble work from the cast. Fortunately for Mr. Menekseoglu, he has managed to attract actors who are up to this task. Anna Weiler is perfect as Ismene. She has just the right combination of innocence and fire. Judith Lesser delights as Erin, a slacker-brat murderess who thought herself immortal; and headmistress Rachel Martindale is the glue that holds the girls and the show together. Writer/Director Jeremy Menekseoglu is the unfeeling god Apollo who has managed to get inside the asylum and inside a few heads along the way. There is mystery, discovery, and plenty of action in this cleverly staged production. The technical aspects of the production are also first rate, with none of the rough edges so common in small-space productions and with a soundtrack that is simply beautiful.
For those who enjoy black-box venues where the actors’ art is the attraction, Ismene is as good as it gets. It is the best show in this category that I have seen thus far this season and Dream Theatre is one of the most artistic companies in Chicago. Ismene is definitely worth a trip to Rogers Park.
Highly Recommended
Randy Hardwick
randyontheglobe@yahoo.com for comments
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2008
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