REVIEW: Iphigenia in Splott (Inis Nua Theatre Company)
- Frank Schierloh
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A relevant, and all too timely tale of humanity, womanhood, and the strength within.
The name Iphigenia means “born to strength,” however the story of Iphigenia is one of the most tragic of Greek tragedies. The play, Iphigenia in Splott, is not a modern retelling of the Greek tragedy, but rather a play that meditates on the meaning of the name Iphigenia. It’s the story of Effie, a woman who is born to strength, yet put through the wringer of emotional trauma utilizing that strength to survive. Written by Gary Owen, it is a complex dissection of the way the world treats women, with staggeringly rendered text that is constantly driving, and fully embracing the meaning of name Iphigenia.
Iphigenia in Splott is a beautifully realized production. The simple set by Melpomene Katakalos is effective in aiding the story; its textured walls add to the roughness of the world that Effie lives in. Lighting by Shannon Zura was the real stand out, especially the ways in which the light bounced off the aforementioned walls. The way she was able to segment and dissect the stage with light truly elevated the performance on stage. Kittson O’Neil served as director, and has mastered how to stage a solo show with clarity and definition. The way she staged this show is simple, yet effective, allowing the script to soar.
The central character of the show, Effie, is a mess of a person. The trauma she experiences, and the way she copes through it all is no easy feat to navigate. Campbell O’Hare is an extremely talented actor, and her skills are on full display during this production. However, there is a disconnect between the actor and character that is at times hard to overlook. Effie is rough around the edges, dangerous and volatile; Campbell isn’t able to convey that roughness, with a sheen of performance and presentation that often feels in conflict with the written character. It’s an unfortunate undercurrent throughout the show that never resolves itself to the aid of the production.
Iphigenia in Splott is a show that truly transcends the time it was written in. The show’s core message of strength through adversity is relevant now more than ever. Effie’s final diatribe about the ways in which the wealthy take from those who are “born to strength” is extremely timely, as we watch an oligarchy continue to take root in this country. Her final words of “What’s gonna happen when we can’t take it anymore?” serve as much as a call to action as they do an introspective look at herself. It’s a strikingly forward ending, that in less deft hands might come across as sentimental, but here is played with full integrity. Inis Nua’s production of this remarkable play has many great qualities to it, and like Effie herself, perseveres throughout.
Iphigenia in Splott is on stage with
Inis Nua Theatre Company at the
Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake f
rom now until March 30th.
For more information visit https://inisnuatheatre.org/show/iphigenia-splott
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