The myth of Agamemnon's sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia at the onset of the Trojan War has a terrific resonance for our times, as it depicts a country going to war under morally questionable circumstances. Following Charles Mee's theatrical collage Iphigenia 2.0, which made the tale's meaning today blatantly apparent, comes Wiodzimierz Staniewski's adaptation and flamboyant ceremonial staging of Euripides' Iphigenia at Aulis, created for his theatre company Gardzienice in Poland.
There are only two pointed references to the current war in Iraq in this Iphigenia, and they both uncomfortably jar theatregoers out of the rich, exotic visual and aural world of the production. Monika Onoszko provides brightly colored Kabuki-style robes for the company, and the production unfurls on three levels of moving platforms inlaid with shimmering gold, emerald, and rust fabric. Throughout, Zygmunt Konieczny's eclectic score (recorded by the Beethoven Academy Orchestra) pulsates under the text, which is delivered in Polish, Greek, and English.
As Iphigenia moves from its expository opening (which in the various languages will leave those unfamiliar with the tale at a bit of a loss), it explodes as the company takes to the platforms, delivering a choral ode while beating drums with an almost convulsive intensity. Staniewski's production never reaches similar heights after this, but throughout there are moments of great beauty and passion. Dressed only in white, Iphigenia (luminescent and delicate Karolina Cicha) arrives in a wheelchair and is seemingly healed by meeting Achilles, whom Charlie Cattrall curiously plays like a British gangsta. The two perform an intricate and haunting pas de deux at odds with the warmongering surrounding them. This moment — like the entire production — is only enhanced by Grzegorz Podbieglowski's sensitive lighting design.
At the center of this Iphigenia is Mariusz Golaj, who gives a majestic and imposing performance as Agamemnon; the man who leaves for Troy with blood already on his hands.
Presented by La MaMa E.T.C in association with the Polish Cultural Institute in New York
at the Annex at La MaMa E.T.C., 66 E. Fourth St., NYC.
Oct. 7-21. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
(212) 475-7710 or www.lamama.org.