Imagine a Christ-like figure -- crucified, blood-smeared, garbed only in a loincloth, and substituting titanic anger and defiance for quiet acceptance -- and you have an idea of the powerful vision created by David Oyelowo portraying the title character in the Aquila Theatre Company production of Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound. And like the all-knowing Prometheus, this black British actor is a force of nature. For almost all of the play's approximately 90 minutes, he stands manacled at center stage, a commanding presence whether howling and writhing against his chains or relentlessly cursing his oppressor, Zeus.
Mankind's protector against the whims of the Olympians, Prometheus is being punished for giving humans the gift of fire and for refusing to reveal to Zeus the dire fate that awaits him. James Kerr, who also directed, has provided a supple translation, and in the play's images of torture and the misuse of power, the contemporary resonances are vivid. Oyelowo delivers the play's fierce poetry with ear-grabbing clarity and rafter-shaking strength. Even passages filled with arcane names and references from Greek mythology are arresting.
Technical elements further enhance the production. On the set by Paul Wills, who also designed the costumes, a configuration of heavy chain hanging from the heavens is a chilling stand-in for the mountainside where Prometheus is shackled. Christopher Shutt's sound design keeps reminding us of the winds that beat at Prometheus.
Unfortunately, the supporting cast of eight isn't completely up to the task. Some text gets muddled when a chorus of ocean sprites gathers to discuss Prometheus' predicament. But it's Oyelowo who carries the show to its heights, making it a magnet for pursuers of classical theatre. And when, toward the play's end, he stands passionately unyielding against threats of more horrific tortures to come, tortures described with equal passion by Zeus' messenger, Hermes, played by Michael Dixon, the audience is witness to the shattering potency of clashing wills as envisioned by those Greek playwrights of long ago.
Presented by and at Classic Stage Company,
136 E. 13th St., NYC.
March 21-April 14. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
(212) 352-3101 or (866)-811-4111 or www.theatermania.com.