Date: Fri 10-Apr-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Troy-Yale-Rep-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "The Cure at Troy" @Yale Rep)

Theatre Review--

With `Troy,' Yale Repertory Returns To Its Usual High Standards, And Just In

Time

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- If only to experience actor Reg E. Cathey, it's worth going to

the latest production at Yale's Repertory Theatre. His mesmerizing, eloquent

voice and notable acting skills bring The Cure at Troy to a level of fine

theatre, worthy of recommendation.

Under the sensitive and dynamic direction of Liz Diamond, this adaptation of

Sophocles' Philoctetes raises questions of universal relevance about

relationships, self-respect and conscience. Without exception, productions Ms

Diamond has directed are always interesting and memorable. Attesting to her

talents are several Obie Awards and Connecticut Critics Circle Awards.

The Cure at Troy is the only published play by the poet Seamus Heaney. This

Irish man of letters won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1995. His poetry has

accorded him numerous honorary degrees and literary awards. Mr Heaney's skill

with words makes this play a more meaningful auditory experience, rather in

the mode of a Shakespeare production. The words are an experience even without

the actors.

The play is the story of the Greek archer, Philoctetes, who possesses a magic

bow. Philoctetes is abandoned on the island of Lemnos by his companions while

en route to Troy because of the smell and anguished cries of pain he emits

thanks to a cankerous wound.

A decade later Odysseus and his crew return to Lemnos to get the magic bow

which is the only way, according to the Greek oracle, the Greeks are

guaranteed the conquest of Troy.

A knowledge of the Greek gods and heroes is helpful to more fully appreciate

this play. Yet, the playwright has included enough information to give

insights into who the characters are and why the bow is so necessary for the

victory at Troy.

Framing The Cure at Troy with a symbolic Greek chorus of three women, the

physical as well as verbal staging by Ms Diamond offers the audience a visual

experience that is also aesthetically pleasing.

Although the three actresses -- Angela Bullock, Robin Dana Miles and Socorro

Santiago -- were not always in choral synchrony, their timing otherwise was

splendid.

As the tormented youth Neoptolemus (the son of Achilles), Luis A. Laporte, Jr,

gives a sincere and strong portrayal of a soldier caught between loyalties and

his own ethics. His struggle is core of this play's statement.

The ruthlessness of Odysseus is believably executed by J. Ed Araiza. In order

to capture Troy, Odysseus must have the magic bow Philoctetes has in his

possession.

The set is not beautiful, but utilitarian and creative lighting design creates

an effective ambience. Scenic designer Louisa Thompson is a third year student

at the Yale School of Drama. Her previous studies in sculpting seem to have

influenced this set.

Having already won, the 1995 Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival

Award for excellence in set design for Grand Hotel, Daniel Meeker has clearly

used his knowledge and talents in set design in the very effective lighting of

the rock that is the set of The Cure of Troy. The costumes designed by April

Soroko were very well suited to this play, and were a plus to this production.

It was a commendable choice to bring voice adviser Ruth Rootberg aboard. The

difference between the diction in the last production at Yale Repertory

Theatre and this one was almost polar!

This is a production that merits the money and time of one who appreciates

interesting theatre experience. This is the best offering Yale Rep has had in

quite a while. It is hoped this will prove to be more the standard of what Rep

attendees can expect.

(Performances continue through April 18, with various evening, matinee and one

ASL-interpreted curtains. Call the theatre, 432-1234, for details. Tickets are

$25 to $32, with student and group discounts. The theatre is at 1120 Chapel

Street, at the corner of York.)