Ahead of The Penelopiad opening at York Theatre Royal this week, we caught up with some of the cast to find out why they wanted to get involved and what audiences can expect from this epic retelling.
Hear from Olivia Burton-Laws (Naiad Mother), Charlie Russell (Odysseus), Syakira Moeladi (Telemachus) and Nell Baker (Laertes) below.
Where are you from/based? Do you have any York/Yorkshire connections?
Olivia: I’m a Yorkshire girl. I’m from Pontefract in West Yorkshire. I’m a regular visitor to York for shopping, eating out and visiting the theatres. My favourite time in York is Christmas when all the streets are decorated.
Charlie: I am based in London and have lived there since 2009. I spent time growing up in a few places, the Lake District, Northwood/Watford and Bedford.
My dad and his family are from Leeds, and then both of my sisters went to university there and settled there – so both of my sisters have lived in Leeds since approximately 2000. I never lived there myself but visit all the time!
Syakira: I am from London and this is my first time in York!
Nell: I’m from Yorkshire and live in York now.
What drew you to this project/what do you find most exciting about it?
Olivia: Greek mythology is a subject that has always interested me, so after reading The Penelopiad it sparked my interest, particularly around the lives of the women left behind.
Charlie: I am a huge fan of Margaret Atwood’s writing, so I was really excited to be in something she’d written. I love York Theatre Royal; it’s such a gorgeous venue. I performed there with The Play That Goes Wrong on the very first UK tour before we went into the West End and have always wanted to come back.
Working with all the incredible people, the cast, the creative team, Amelia Bullmore, Lucy Forster – it’s a privilege!
Syakira: I was so excited to work on The Penelopiad because of it’s retelling of The Odyssey through the eyes of Penelope and the maids. Margaret Attwood has so brilliantly given a voice to the women of the palace in Ithaca, so what is only a footnote in Homer’s Odyssey is given the time and interrogation it deserves.
Nell: I first read the book back in lockdown and loved the reframing of the classic story. I particularly liked the idea that Penelope’s version may not be any truer than Odysseus’, but she deserves the same opportunity he had to tell whatever story suits. I also think the focus on the injustice of hanging the maids is really unique, as it’s a part of the tale that almost always gets cut. I’m really excited about the different elements of this production – the music, the instruments, the movement and the brilliant team of women!
What are you looking forward to about coming to work in York?
Olivia: York is such a beautiful city steeped in history that I have visited on many occasions, but the opportunity to have my professional debut at York Theatre Royal is just amazing.
I can also pop round to the Paddington Bench in the Minster Gardens another favourite place of mine and then on to Bettys for afternoon tea, I could go on and on.
Charlie: I look forward to going to Bettys of course! I can walk the streets, along the river and visit my family based in Leeds!
Syakira: I am looking forward to exploring York for the first time!
Nell: I’m so excited to be working on home turf – YTR is one of those theatres I’ve been coming to my whole life so it’s a thrill to be working here for the first time.
How are you preparing for your role?
Olivia: I’ve been researching the characters and their back story along with practicing the Greek names and words and incorporating BSL.
Getting plenty of exercise including running, weekly reformer pilates and dance.
Charlie: Press ups! Planks! And learning my lines. Just can’t decide if I should watch Matt Damon play Odysseus as research…
Syakira: I have been preparing by reading Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, as well as having read Attwood’s book. I’ve also been researching female characters in other Greek epics and tragedies and seeing how their portrayal has led us to this point.
Nell: Accordion practice and strength training!
Why do you think people should come and see the play?
Olivia: It’s a modern and witty play that gives power and a platform to the characters who were silenced and forgotten in this old Greek myth, with a new feminist twist.
Charlie: To watch Amelia Bullmore play Penelope! And to get a very cool perspective of this ancient and classic tale.
Syakira: If you have ever felt frustrated by the constant idolisation of male characters that actually cause a lot of pain and suffering (especially on women) and would instead like to hear that story retold through the eyes of the women then this play is for you. Also, if you watched The Odyssey this summer and would like to know more about Penelope and Helen and the maids then come along!
Nell: So many reasons – the brilliance of Margaret Atwood, a classic story given a fresh take – it’s funny, it’s thought-provoking, it’s angering. Everything good theatre should be.
Could you describe your role in three words?
Olivia: Mystical, Beautiful, Sharp minded.
Charlie: (Undeserved) Main. Character. Energy.
Syakira: Telemachus is stunted, angsty and completely lost.
Nell: Funny, versatile and physical.
The Penelopiad is at York Theatre Royal 10 Oct – 31 Oct.
Find out more information and book your tickets here.
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