Review: ANON(YMOUS) but not unknown now playing at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX

Creating a show as captivating as Homer's Odyssey is no easy task. Playwright Naomii lizuka attempts to capture the adventure and concept of home, while reimagining the long journey home as told in Homer's Odyssey. ANON(YMOUS), now playing at St. Edward's Mary Moody Theatre, is inspired by this ancient Greek work of art than it is an accurate retelling. As in the original epic poem, Odysseus travels far, clashing with many monsters and adversaries along the way. Anon, a young refugee also searching for his home, represents Odysseus in Lizuka's fresh take on this long journey. There are stark differences between the classic and this new version. A few obvious changes involve a swap for a mother to son relationship versus the classic loving wife relationship in the original story. The timeline in Homer's Odyssey is not relative in lizuka's new telling. Years passing add more passion and drive to Odysseus' journey as he makes his way back to his wife, Penelope. Anon, however, passes through scenes, and different characters pay homage to the monsters originally faced but with a more relatable modern twist. For example, the seductress is a bartender with patrons whom oink like pigs. This is a clear reference to the original telling, but as quickly as Anon enters this scene, he runs away as fast as he can - apparently, he did not want to dance. In the original story, Odysseus spends much more time being tempted. As the similarities occur to the audience during the show, the difference in relative subject matter makes the connection to the audience more powerful. Tackling immigration, cultural diversity and sorrow, much more meaning is added, and people can relate to and learn something from the story.

The best part of any university or college production is that the production value is always high. With so many contributing members of the respective institution's theatre department contributing, every aspect of this show is lovingly cared for. Staying close to its Greek roots, ANON(YMOUS) is performed in theatre-in-the-round - with every inch of available performance space being utilized. Recycled sets beg the audience to suspend their disbelief. The concept presented of the ocean, waves, goddesses and monstrous characters takes a minute to dive in and enter this artsy reimagined tale. The technical aspects of this show were incredible- it is so freshening to witness a show utilizing lights for their point of view - creating waves, cars, projections and mayhem with ease. The professionalism of this theatre and the technical work put into bringing ANON(YMOUS) to life was very impressive introducing the amazing tricks theatre can convey.

There are no stories without storytellers - mostly this is where the actors come in. With two favored performers in this piece, the story is told through the ensemble driven melodic echoes, lamenting their favorite things about their lost homes. Patrick Gathron (playing Pascal), has a memorable moment traveling by train with Anon (played by Josean Rodriguez) remembering his mother. Gathron connects on a deep level with the imagery of the mother and communicated a strong inner- monologue the audience could smile at. The commitment of these artists to this show cannot be questioned, but the understanding of their characters support of the storytelling can - more importantly, where in the story the audience is. One thing I have noticed whilst watching young people perform, is the desire to yell and take whatever their moment onstage is, completely overboard. With rhythm presented by the very creative scene changes and recycled set pieces, a scream out of the blue breaks this rhythm and is quite a turn off to the audience simply attempting to follow the story of Anon and his epic journey defining his home.

The production value of this show was top-notch. Every inch of the stage was thought of, and for the audience watching, this story of a young and lost refugee finding his way home is a sweet show inspired by the epic poem The Odyssey. Running at about 120 minutes, this show magnifies the issues our society faces today within our cultural American melting plot. Highlighting the struggle of marginalized peoples, the images designed by director Michelle Polgar are moving and add much meaning to an individual's personal odyssey. ANON(YMOUS) may be without a name, but it certainly has a worthwhile story to tell.

WHAT: Anon(ymous)

By Naomi Iizuka

Directed by Michelle Polgar

WHEN: Nov. 9 - 19, 2017

7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday

2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Mary Moody Northen Theatre

St. Edward's University

3001 S. Congress Ave.

Austin, TX 78704

Campus map

TICKETS: $25 Adult ($18 Students, Seniors, St. Edward's community)

MMNT Box Office: 512-448-8484

Online: www.stedwards.edu/theatre

Box Office Hours are 1 - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Student discount nights: November 10 and November 16: $10 ticket with any Student ID