Metamorphoses

  • November 12th, 2003 - February 1st, 2004
  • Bronwyn Dodson Theatre
  • Drama
  • Contemporary Piece Series
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'Metamorphoses' Review

— Fullerton College Hornet  - Stacy Schwed - Wednesday, November 19th, 2003
MYRRAH- Zarah Mahler's performance as Myrrah was just one of the many great performances in Metamorphoses

Fullerton College ·thespians have amazed me once again . with their · recent performance of Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses.

The entire ·play explores Greek myths of change as told by Ovid in his play of the same name.

When I first got to the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre, I found it amusing that there were blue towels in the front rows of the theatre. In the middle of the stage there was a giant pool with about 1500 gallons of water, that was probably about 2-3 feet deep. When the show started everyone in the front row, unwrapped the towel and put it around his or her legs. It amazes me how funny people are, it's just water. I wasn't laughing, however, when I got wet during a fight scene in the pool Men wearing almost nothing were fighting in the water as strobe lights flashed .. .it was great.

One of the first myths that Zimmerman explores in this contemporary retelling of Ovid's tales, is the story of the greedy King Midas, played by Aaron Campbell. Midas was so greedy that he wished that everything he touched would tum to gold. As a consequence of his greed , he ends up turning his young daughter into gold.

Other outstanding performances were given during the story of Myrrah, played by Zarah Mahler, and her extremely unusual affair with her father Vertumnus, played by Paul Villano. The chemistry of the two characters was intriguing as the)' fell into the water while consummating their love.

Lastly, but possibly one of the most memorable moments, was the playing out of the myth of Eros, played by Jason Paul Evans, and Psyche, played by Jenileigh Sawatzke. In this scene, Eros is completely naked save for a pair of cupid wings. Not only did Evans show it all, he showed that he is an outstanding actor.

Everyone that performed did a fantastic job. They made me laugh and cry, and brought Greek mythology to life in a fun and entertaining way. If you still can, try and catch Metamorphoses this semester. If you happen to miss it, I am confident that the FC Theatre Department will not let us down with any upcoming performances.