Hecuba

Synopsis

Hecuba is a moving, bitter tragedy about the interrelations between those who hold power and those who suffer it. It is the slaughter of Hecuba's daughter Polyxena and the discovery of the body of her son Polydorus which leads to Hecuba's progress from grief to despair, as confronted by her tormentors, she is forced to yield her dignity, her values and her self-respect. Her humanity destroyed, she takes revenge so hideously brutal, she is transformed into "the bitch of Cyrossema"

Our Review:

13 August 2010

Hecuba, Euripides' violent and bitter tragedy, is surprisingly forward-thinking in the challenge it poses to traditional female roles. With her children cruelly plucked away from her one by one by her enemies, Hecuba dares to defy the conventional understanding of female autonomy and appropriateness.

Lazarus Theatre Company do well to effectively convey a sense of the epic in the small studio space of the New Diorama Theatre. This is largely a result of Ricky Dukes’ inventive direction, which succeeds in making this 2000 year old play feel fresh. As we enter the auditorium, we are already strikingly in medias res: Helena (superbly played by Paula James) sings as the other citizens of Troy dance around a circular mirrored floor. The richness of her voice is exceptional, and brilliantly conveys the ebullient atmosphere of a prelapsarian Troy.

The chorus perform an unexpectedly effective series of tableau through which they depict the fall of the city: as ...

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Latest User Review

j smarts - 19 August 2010:

Having seen this companies work on a number of occasions I have to say I think this is one of their finest pieces. The ensemble are magnetic, they create a world that is decadent, beautiful, romantic and elegant which they so brilliantly destroy through the movement Whitton and Dukes have created. Fine performances from all, the female chorus wonderfully powerful, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end. Lesser’s Hecuba is passionate, driven and strong, her leadership of the company evident although she could not triumph in this role if it wasn’t for the ensembles support. My only criticism is that the show went up a bit late so I had to rush to get my train afterwards, but hopefully thats just a teething problem. But all in all a wonderful production. ...

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