Argonautika Play Analysis

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing the fall production of Argonautika at the Westmont High School Theater directed by Jeff Bengford and written by Mary Zimmerman. Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of Argonautika carefully selects which pieces of a Greek story to emphasize, where to begin and end the story, and which characters to feature. Argonautika is very much an ensemble piece, with every actor standing out in multiple roles. Her version focuses on Jason and Medea and begins with an invocation by the chorus that summarizes the story of Helle and Phrixus. The last showing on November 21st of Argonautika by the Westmont High School Performing Arts Department, was exciting beginning to end. Bengford’s production Argonautika greatly captures the intentions of Mary Zimmerman’s playwright into an exciting play for the audience.

The story of Jason and the Argonauts’ quest for the golden fleece and his ultimately ill fated love affair with Medea is told with stunning, sometimes humorously self-referential, deceptive simplicity. Right from the start, Argonautika pulls the audience in its prologue with chants of dramatic events, leaving the spectators with a desire for more. The heroes who make up the crew

of the Argo - the Argonauts - proclaim their fame in a buoyant, percussion-driven boasting contest, topped by a comically swaggering, tongue-tied Hercules. The audience holds its breath as Aphrodite purposefully carries Eros’ arrow across the stage to lodge in an unsuspecting Medea’s breast, spreading the bright red of an unfamiliar passion across her snow-white dress. After two hours, even such wondrous characters as these need to call it a night, we are grateful to see them permanently affixed in the heavens as glittering constellations.
Each actor of Argonautika is worth noting, but standouts include Hercules (played by Emir Jacobs), who delivered his lines comically, Medea (played by Emerald Inay), who had outstanding acting and fell in love hopelessly with Jason, and King Pelias (played by Ally McGreevy), the devious king.

Their acting chops were very impressive whether it was comedic, emotional, or just stunning overall. Yet, on the other hand, some minor characters weren’t as well heard as others. I feel as the play could be better if some of the minor characters had projected their voice more, allowing their character to be known. However, although some voices were much stronger than others, all actors were full of talent, capable of dealing with script’s requirements, and did a good job

overall.
The choreography, created by Ms. Bridgette Loriaux is simple enough for each actor to perform it well, yet diverse enough to hold the audience’s attention. Other significant elements of the play include the fighting and taiko additions by Mr. Robert D. Rothrock. Both of these elements contributed to the play and made it more memorable and entertaining.
I encourage you to see this production. A good job done by Westmont High School’s Performing Arts Department, exciting and entertaining from the beginning to end, you’ll see Westmont High’s talent for drama. I found myself drawn into the plot of the play from the beginning to end. Argonautika will change the way you see mythology with its beautiful choreography and intense fighting and drumming additions.