Hercules: In Search of a Hero
About the show
Eclipses Group Theater New York presents this world premiere, a new theater piece combining excerpts from Euripides’s plays along with original material, exploring the meaning of heroism in our time.
Hercules is a man of violence and death: he is heroic by killing. Alcestis stands out for an act of self-sacrifice: she is heroic by dying. Using poetic language and images, the play challenges the conventional, masculine notion of heroism and contemplates a feminine alternative.
"With that sturdy foundation, Katsarou constructs an invigorating performance that fits squarely in with the contemporary genre of experimental theater based on boldly reimagined classical texts...'Hercules' offers a refreshing interpretation of a classical text in contemporary experimental terms yet its relatively minimal presentation manages to highlight the acting and otherwise eschew the decorative flourishes that often dazzle but seldom prove transportive." Full Review
“Katsarou weaves two ‘problem play’ tragedies together to create one larger dramatic, though often convoluted, story...The dialogue, most of which is lifted from a translation of the original text, is stiff and awkward, and the actors never fully master it. And none of the characters are fleshed out to the extent one might wish for, with the possible exception of Hercules...But there are moments where the play can be truly captivating.” Full Review
“The performances are at times satirical, yet many of the design and acting choices are halfway between realism and over the top...There never seems to be an accompanying shift in tone or perspective...The climactic moments tend to become melodramatic...If there were any potential messages to draw from this story, they are obscured by the conflicting characterizations. Though well-intended and ambitious, ‘Hercules’ does not successfully deliver what it means to.” Full Review
See it if You're interested in commentary and discussion on how Greek myths can be interpreted for modern society.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy experimental theater.
See it if Euripides classicists will resonate with this admittedly truncated, feminist take on extant Hercules texts. Some film and a camp aesthetic.
Don't see it if You want a bona fide narrative or wish to be swept away
See it if You are Greek
Don't see it if You like linear, coherent plots
See it if If it makes you look up both plays and gets you to see the works done unaltered, then that may be the best part to the show. Disappointing ~
Don't see it if They verged on camp-& should have pushed it further! Many of cast were not pros-felt like watching an acting class w/exercises & monologues~
See it if you want to support fringe theater
Don't see it if you're not feeling a show that doesn't really work. Some interesting ideas, some interesting execution, but not sustained or at the same tim
See it if You know someone involved in the show.
Don't see it if You value your time. I cannot get back those 75 minutes. Ever. Would have walked out, but I felt bad for the cast.
Cast & Creatives (11)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
