Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'Heavier Than...' Revisits Greek Mythology
Nick Ballard and Casey Kringlen in "Heavier Than..." at The Theatre@Boston Court. Photo - Ed Krieger
()
The new play at the Theatre@Boston Court, Steve Yockey's Heavier Than…, is a retelling of the old Greek myth of the minotaur in his labyrinth, but this time from the creature's point of view. It's a professionally done show with a strong cast and a distinctive look, but the play lacks ambition. It's enjoyable while it's going on, but not particularly memorable upon leaving the theatre--a solid base hit, but no home-run.
Poor Asterius (Nick Ballard), the minotaur exiled to the maze, has a big day ahead of him. On the one hand, tomorrow will be his thirtieth birthday, and he's convinced himself that his absent mother Pasiphae (Jill Van Velzer) will finally come visit him. On the other hand, tomorrow is the day the king sends a group of men into the labyrinth to try and kill Asterius, as he's done every seven years or so. A chorus (Ashanti Brown, Teya Patt and Katie Locke O'Brien) of Fates try to keep the minotaur's hopes alive, but his only human friend, Icarus (Casey Kringlen), disputes their optimism. Asterius is cheered by a late-night visit from his sister, Ariadne (Laura Howard), but seeing him is only part of the reason for her surprise appearance…
Ballard makes for a soulful and empathetic minotaur, and brings the character a sense of dignity as well. Asterius is written essentially as a gentle giant, but Ballard also conveys his ability for violence, especially in a scene where he threatens to destroy a tower. Van Velzer, who gets to play alternate versions of Pasiphae, is effective at portraying both maternal tenderness and selfish cruelty, and her work creates the emotional stakes of the piece. Howard is appropriately self-satisfied as Ariadne, only mildly conflicted about betraying her brother, and Kringlen is sly and funny as the gay Icarus who keeps hitting on the big buff minotaur. Finally, Brown, Patt and O’Brien work euphoniously well together as the chorus of Fates, speaking together and separately from moment to moment, their movements and dialogue choreographed like a witty, complex dance.
Director Abigail Deser brings a sense of theatricality to the show, from the blackout moments leading to Icarus’ landings to the intricate interactions of the chorus, and she gets smart work from her cast. Yockey succeeds at reworking the minotaur myth, creating sympathy for Asterius’ plight, but chooses not to go any deeper emotionally or further abroad intellectually. He doesn’t expand the play’s scope, when it clearly seems there is more that could be done with this source material. Kurt Boetcher’s labyrinth set, composed of metal frames filled with fake stones, creates a dry and existential ambience, while Robert Prior’s costumes provide a needed splash of color and style. Prior’s shadow-puppet video of young Asterius going berserk is a hilarious highlight.
Support for LAist comes from
“Heavier Than…” runs through Aug. 21. Tickets are $27-32 and are available online or at (626) 683-6883.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist