Penelope

A woman’s husband appears at her door after an absence of twenty years, suffering from brain damage. A veteran of an unnamed war, he doesn’t know who he is and she doesn’t know who he’s become. While they wait together for his return to himself, she reads him The Odyssey, and in the journey of that book, she finds a way into her former husband’s memory and the terror and trauma of war.

 

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey follows king of Ithaca, Odysseus, and his 10-year journey home from the 10-year long Trojan War. On the journey home he encounters many trials, temptations, gods and monsters, and all of his crewmates are killed. During his long absence from home, Odysseus is presumed dead and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus are left to contend with unruly suitors competing for Penelope’s hand in marriage. After returning in disguise and killing all of the suitors, Odysseus is reunited with his wife and son. 

 

But who is he now?

 

Penelope (Sarah Kirkland Snider & Ellen McLaughlin) blends classical, folk and indie-rock musical influences with Greek mythology and a contemporary libretto into a powerful story of a troubled homecoming. 

 

In this world-first choral arrangement by composer/conductor Juliana Kay, experience heightened theatricality and emotional impact of the work with new textures, harmonies and movement, expertly handled by the singers of Alta Collective, guest children’s choirs and chamber ensemble.

 

Penelope

Music by Sarah Kirkland Snider, libretto by Ellen McLaughlin
Arranged for choir by Juliana Kay

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25 & 26 October - 7.30pm
Abbotsford Convent

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8 November - 7.30pm

Wesley of Warrugul 

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Penelope is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund.