Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, directed by Kelly Thornton and produced by the all-women theatre company Nightwood Theatre,offers a contemporary perspective of The Odyssey as retold by Penelope, Odysseus’ wife. Atwood reframes the myth’s patriarchal foundation by acknowledging existing gender and class issues and questioning the ethics of its characters. 

Originally a novella, the script of the theatrical version is often tongue-in-cheek, pairing the antiquated setting with anachronistic dialogue and reactions. It tells of Penelope’s life from birth, to marriage, to the years of abandonment while Odysseus leaves Ithaca to fight in the Trojan war, and finally to his return. The story focuses on the misuse and deaths of twelve maidens enlisted by Penelope to subdue a slew of suitors who have come to the palace in her husband’s absence. The maidens, acting as a Chorus, also aid Penelope in retelling her life, playing multiple characters and creating soundscapes through song and dance. In Nightwood Theatre’s production, simplistic yet versatile set design and similarly adaptable costumes create beautiful, diverse scenes and characters. Combined with well choreographed dance, character movement and the thirteen person cast, the show offers a visual feast for its audience. Despite its humourous moments The Penelopiad is, at its core, a brutally honest confrontation of The Odyssey’s assumptions about heroism. 

Nightwood Theatre’s vision is “to be the gateway, propelling women to the top of their craft in Canadian Theatre.” They are currently running their 10,000 Women campaign, asking patrons to donate ten dollars in honour of a woman they admire. The campaign is a fundraiser for the company and will culminate in an art exhibit recognizing the women named. For more information about 10, 000 Women you can go to the Nightwood website.

The Penelopiad runs until February 10th at Buddies in Bad Time Theatre. You can buy tickets here.