Adonis and the Gods at War
Created by Iris MacKay
Produced by Lockpick Theatre, Ottawa
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
45 min / 14+ / Storytelling, History
Let’s take it back to the good old days of theatre—when togas and sandals were in style, and when the wrath of the gods was a legitimate concern. Thankfully, Adonis and the Gods at War was able to provide some of that nostalgia, telling a tale about a love triangle of epic proportions.
Cast of Adonis and the Gods at War. Photo by Iris MacKay.
This retelling of the myth of Adonis from the ancient Greek world highlights the relationship between Adonis and Aphrodite, and the fear and confusion Adonis feels about following his own path. Even though he has lived amongst the gods since childhood, Adonis starts to wonder what it would be like to live in a world where his life wasn’t used as a result of the gods’ boredom.
Shane Bouchard as Ares and Fern Marwood at Aphrodite. Photo by Marc Dhavernas.
With only three actors on stage, and a whole lot of dialogue, it’s impressive how not one of the performers missed a cue or a line. The chemistry between Adonis and Aphrodite was palpable, and the costume design was powerful yet simple—exactly what I would imagine each character to wear.
If you’re a Greek mythology fan, or just a fan of the classics, this show is not one to miss.
Adonis and the Gods at War is playing at La Nouvelle Scène — Studio B from June 13–23. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the two satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery and La Nouvelle Scene). 5 and 10 Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
