Susan Granger’s review of “The Bacchae” (Classical Theatre of Harlem)
In Bryan Doerries’s exhilarating musical adaptation of Euripides’ enigmatic tragedy, the Greek deity Dionysus appears on Earth in human form as charismatic preacher D (Jason C. Brown), complete with long dreadlocks, metallic codpiece and gold high tops.
While female fans of the God of the Grape, known as Baquettes, go into an orgiastic swoon, young King Pentheus (P.J. Foster) of Thebes isn’t so impressed.
“I hear they worship sex more than god,” authoritarian Pentheus grumbles. “We will run them down from the hill and lock them up. We will build a wall and put a quick end to this mess!”
Disguised as a woman to remain incognito, Pentheus spies on the writhing women’s revels. Although he’s advised to be less dictatorial by the blind seer Tiresias (Brian D. Coats) and former King Cadmus (Charles Bernard Murray), what proud Pentheus doesn’t realize is that hedonistic Dionysius/Preacher D is his first cousin, son of Zeus and his aunt Semele.
And as Tiresias cautions: “Never should man think himself above the law.”
Playwright Bryan Doerries and director Carl Cofield have chosen to adapt the classic concept – which dates back to 405 B.C. in Athens – for contemporary Trumpian relevance, including rap rhythms, an emphasis on gender politics and allusions to jitney pedi-cabs and Uber drivers.
Christopher Swader and Justin Swader have devised towering, metallic, three-level scaffold set, complete with stairs and platforms, while projection designer Katherine Freer places various evocative images on the translucent scrim panels, astutely augmented by Alan C. Edwards’ lighting, Frederick Kennedy’s music, Tiffany Rea-Fisher’s sinuous choreography, and Les Liang’s shredded, stylized costumes.
The spectacle and originality of this production in the open-air Richard Rogers Amphitheater reminded me of when Aristophanes’ “The Frogs” was performed by the Yale Repertory Theater in the pool in the Payne Whitney Gymnasium in 1974.
“The Bacchae” is performed – free of charge – alfresco in Marcus Garvey Park, located at 18 Mt. Morris Park West between 120th and 124th Streets through July 28. For tickets and more information, go to cthnyc.org.