The Greathouse Theatre’s spring season opens with the tragedy Electra by Sophocles, running Mar. 1-5.
The production is directed by Catherine Gaffney, who is using Frank McGuinness’ verse translation of the original Greek. Andrew Cox serves as stage manager, aided by assistant stage directors Madi Sowers and Maya Kash.
Greathouse’s provided plot summary reads as follows: “What happens when loss and loneliness turn into revenge and hate? An ancient story that reverberates today. After her father is killed, Electra plots to murder his murderer. Generations of vengeance, betrayal, and deceit… Can the cycle ever be broken?”
Gaffney told the Collegian that the production was incited by student interest. “During my first semester as an adjunct faculty in Acting here at Asbury, I was asked to teach a class on different theatrical styles,” she said. “The students were captivated when working on Greek scenes, and requested that the faculty consider producing a full-length Greek work in the mainstage season.”
Gaffney also said that the play has timeless philosophical values that elevate it past being a “dusty old tragedy,” with its analyses of unresolved grief and revenge. She cites Job 36:21 as a biblical parallel of the themes in Electra: “Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.”
Freshman Kaity McCracken and senior Nic Joransen star as the vengeful Electra and her fate-driven brother Orestes, respectively. The siblings seek justice against their cruel mother, Queen Clytemnestra, and stepfather, Aegisthus, portrayed by seniors Christa Lain and Nate Thomas. Rounding out the cast are sophomore Rixa Clark as Chrysothemis, senior Joshua Curry as Orestes’ servant, junior Eswin Monroy as Pylades, and a Greek chorus consisting of Ella Anderson, Katie Jornod, and Hannah Young.
McCracken told the Collegian that the characters’ moral ambiguity is what excites her most about Electra. “I think that modern audiences can take this as a challenge to our idea that in a story there must be a ‘good guy’ and a ‘bad guy.’ All of these characters are flawed and broken human beings who possess bits of truth.”
McCracken also spoke of the gravity of playing the titular role. “I have never been so excited and terrified about a project in my entire life,” she said. “While it is the most challenging role I’ve ever done, it is also the most life-giving and inspiring project I have ever been a part of. I am incredibly excited to portray Electra because I think she represents the rawest most visceral parts of all of us.”
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/asbury-university/electra-13675. Admission is $7 for Asbury students and staff, while general admission is $12. Virtual streaming will be available for select dates, including the show on Wed. Mar. 2. General virtual stream pricing is $15, while for students it is $10.
