I need to admit I used to be not aware of the story of Memnon, the Ethiopian king who got here to the help of Troy to combat towards Achilles; was initially a member of the Trojan royal household, however was subsequently ignored, mistreated, and would have been horribly sacrificed had he stayed in Troy throughout a earlier battle.
At a current efficiency of “Memnon” by the Classical Theatre of Harlem (within the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater at Marcus Garvey Park), we heard the story of the Trojans as they bury a fallen hero and are about to be set upon by Achilles and plenty of others. Determined, King Priam, after being strongly suggested by each Queen Helen of Troy and Polydamas, requests help from Memnon. On this manufacturing, written by Will Energy; co-conceived by Energy and Carl Cofield, who can also be the director; and with choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, the viewers was handled to a really participating story.
Memnon is a sensible Ethiopian king who can also be related with the gods and guarded by them. He’s a person who prefers peace over bloodshed, however when he has to combat, he simply wins over his opponent. Eric Berryman gave a particular efficiency full of energy, delight, and daring honesty as Memnon. His character typically chastised Priam for the mistreatment he acquired as a baby and the sensation he has at all times had of being “different” when it got here to his Trojan household. He was extra at house in Ethiopia, the place he was instantly embraced and made king.
Andrea Patterson was good as Helen,who represented, with grace and power, how ladies in these positions have been typically blamed for issues that weren’t of their doing, and didn’t settle for the blame because the trigger for the Trojan conflict. She described how her life was manipulated, however that now that she is in Troy, she should make a house right here. She stated that in her native house, she had no voice and that was one thing she wouldn’t wish to return to.
This play encompassed racism, anger, intelligence, and conceitedness, but it surely was additionally fairly participating to observe. Different featured actors who delivered sturdy performances included Jesse J. Perez as Priam and Nestor, David Darrow as Polydamas and Antilochus, and Jesse Corbin as Achilles.
In terms of Classical Theatre of Harlem, you have to embody ensemble performers as a result of they’re at all times giving their all with choreography that stuns the senses. Ensemble members included Jenna Kulacz, Madelyn Lalonde, Alyssa Manginaro, Caitlyn Morgan, Erik Penrod Osterkil, Tiffany “2TS” Terry, and Travon Williams.
The technical features of this play have been charming and included combat path by Emmanuel Brown, scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon, costume design by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Alan C. Edwards, sound design and music by Frederick Kennedy, co-video design by Yee Eun Nam and Hannah Tran, and hair and make-up design by Samantha Weiner.
Make certain to maintain up with what the Classical Theatre of Harlem is doing by visiting www.cthnyc.org.
