Agamemnon - Aeschylus - London 2011

Agamemnon by Aeschylus

Translation by Robert Fagles
London Actors Group
The Courtyard Theatre
Review Tom Meadows  5th May 2011
It might be daring to present a Greek tragedy in a fringe theatre, however, London Actors Group, directed by Astrid Vehstedt, met the challenge with Aeschylus’ ‘Agamemnon’, one of the first plays ever written.
After a nightmarish opening by the Watchman (Scott Berry) and the funeral ceremony for a dead soldier fighting in Troy, we see the story of the beginnings of this war ten long years ago, played out by the Chorus, the population of Argos. This play within the play turns out to be a little island of joy and entertainment for the suffering population of Argos (the Chorus, convincingly performed by ten women and one remaining man), is suddenly and brutally interrupted by a voice (from heaven? the palace?), forcing the people back to imposed rituals. The atmosphere remains somber, when Queen Clytemnestra, in a breathtaking speech, delivers the news that Troy has been taken. This Clytemnestra is quite different from the conventional portraits. Victoria May powerfully conveys the image of a grieving mother and wife of brutal husband, Agamemnon, struggling to keep control over a rebellious population. By the end we even understand, why she kills the homecoming warrior.
A few words and gestures of Agamemnon (brilliantly played by Philip Knight) makes clear, that he takes whatever he wants regardless of its price. No wonder, he isn’t really welcomed by a grieving Chorus.
Before Agamemnon’s arrival, we see another victim of his regime and war: a Herald (Alain English), who shatters all hopes, that at least some women of Argos might see their beloved again. This traumatized soldier almost breaks our hearts and brings a ray of humanity into the play, despite the horrible war scenes he describes.
Equally powerful Cassandra (Fiona Graham) walks the thin line between madness and clairvoyance. Struggling to find words or even a language for her visions, we understand, why the Trojans and even her own family couldn’t or didn’t want to believe her.
This ‘Agamemnon’ is an unexpectedly dense, powerful and unconventional interpretation of Greek tragedy. It takes us on a long journey but nails us to our chairs from beginning to the end. It has very convincing ensemble with a predominantly female Chorus representing a multicultural society. The set comprised of hundreds of images of dead soldiers adds convincingly to the cruelties and senselessness of war, as does the music by Ultrasound’s Richard Green.

This no budget production has been realized with professionals but without subsidies. Rehearsing conditions were harsh, the actors and actresses highly commited. We rehearsed in pubs, ateliers or ballet rooms without day light near the Tower. The conditions helped my to develop a new method of directing.

Agamemnon, beginning

Helen Chorus

The Courtyard Theatre
In association with
London Actors Group
presents
Agamemnon
by Aeschylus
Directed by Astrid Vehstedt
Stage Design: Astrid Vehstedt and Team
Based on a translation by Robert Fagles
Original music composition by Richard Green
Cast
Agamemnon……………………Philip Knight
Clytemnestra……………………Victoria May
Cassandra………………………  Fiona Graham
Aegisthus…………………………George Xander
Watchman……………………… Scott Berry
Herald………………………………Alain English 

Chorus: Antonella Sciememi, Eleanor Young, Francesca Bradley, Holly Townes, James Bilington, Lydia Lane, Melanie Loudonsack, Naima Stevenson, Sasha Nemeckova, Talullah Last, Tracy Leigh Batchelor, Yuriria Fanjul
Assistant Director…………….Tommy Lexen
Stage Manager…………………Allieh Hook
Designer…………………………..Charlotte Stuart -Grumbar
Producer…………………………. Tanya Kuruvilla
The Courtyard Theatre 03 - 15 may 2011