Iphigenia

November 15-17, 2012

Stage Manager: Emily Cutler
Musical Direction/Composition: Pat Lamborn
Lighting Design by Peter Whinnery
Costume Design by Millie Hiibel
Scenic Design by Eric Baratta

THE STORY: In this modern take on the classic tale, King Agamemnon prepares to lead the greatest coalition of armies in the history of the world to retrieve Helen of Troy. But the seas have suddenly calmed in the Bay of Aulis, and Agamemnon becomes determined to fulfill a terrible prophesy—in order for the winds to blow, he must sacrifice his eldest daughter, Iphigenia. Queen Clytemnestra and Iphigenia arrive at the soldiers' camp, lured by the lie that she will be married to the great warrior, Achilles. Unfortunately, this is the first that Achilles has heard of it. He and his comical army of sock puppets, "The Mighty Myrmidons," are getting antsy sitting around waiting for the wind to rise. As the soldiers become more and more restless, it's clear that some action has to be taken or the entire coalition will turn upon itself. To hold on to his power, Agamemnon must make a decision that will echo through the ages, as his daughter's death becomes the catalyst for generations of bloodshed. But then Iphigenia surprises them all with a decision that no one could have guessed. Alternating between bawdy comedy and high drama, this play raises questions about what makes a hero in the modern world and what price must be paid to satisfy a country's lust for revenge.