PENELOPE AND ULYSSES

This debut play by Zenovia rethinks the relationship between Penelope and Ulysses.

Penelope, queen of Ithaca, is often regarded as a mythological symbol of fidelity given her refusal to yield to her suitors during her husband Ulysses’ 20-year absence after departing for the Trojan War. In this play, Zenovia explores the emotional complexities of the Ithacan royal, elaborating on her “playfulness and sexuality” as a young woman and the “wisdom and strength” she accrues in later life. The author presents Penelope as two separate characters, younger and older, allowing the queen to enter into dialogue with her past self. The play opens with both women longing for Ulysses while expressing nuanced emotions, shaped by youth and experience, respectively. The work is primarily a philosophical exploration of female fortitude, driven by romantic longing. A detailed retelling of the Greek myth isn’t the author’s priority, however; she draws on events such as Penelope’s spurning suitors Agathy and Petroculos as a way of celebrating a woman’s resolve. At another point, Ulysses’ conversation with King Agamemnon about war offers a portrait of destructive masculinity. Zenovia writes powerfully poetic and memorable lines; Penelope’s exchanges with Ulysses, for instance, offer a passionate, philosophical exploration of evolving love: “ULYSSES: When a bird and a fish fall in love, where do they live? PENELOPE: In each other’s hearts, my love, my life. ULYSSES: We are the bird and the fish. Look for me in the sea, in the sky, in your heart.” Although Penelope dotes on her husband, she’s by no means subordinate to men. Unlike the Odyssey, this play offers a story of female valiance. Some readers may not appreciate the dreamily abstract manner in which the characters sometimes communicate: “Upon our arrival in life we are also entering the unknown, and yet we cling to this known as if it were the only life.” Many others, however, will find this reimagining of Greek mythology an imaginative and compelling commentary on female love, determination, and sacrifice.

Tenderly perceptive, philosophically inquisitive writing.