The Unraveling at Getty Villa

Getty Villa Theater Lab presents The Unraveling, a new play inspired by Greek mythology exploring the “banishment” of women of a certain age from society.

Conceived and directed by Katharine Noon, artistic director of The Ghost Road Company, and devised in workshop with the Ghost Road ensemble and guest artists, the work-in-progress performances will take place at the Getty Villa on Friday, November 8, at 7 pm, Saturday, November 9, at 2 pm, and Sunday, November 10, at 2 pm. Free reservations are available online.

Inspired by the Greek myth of Circe, this contemporary piece centers around a Classics professor who has escaped from society to a remote mountaintop to exist in isolation. Her carefully curated world soon becomes invaded by her estranged daughter and a young video gamer.

“The Getty Villa Lab Series has been instrumental in Ghost Road’s development process for two of our pieces: Orestes and Asterion. Both shows went onto full productions and toured nationally and internationally. Without the support and resources provided by the Getty Villa none of that would have been possible. The Unraveling marks the third time we have participated in the Lab Series. The extraordinary team at the Villa have created an essential space for the exploration and creation of new work. We are again grateful for this opportunity and the possibilities it provides.” – Katharine Noon.

Getty’s Villa Theater Lab is an ongoing series that has provided a forum for reinterpretations of classical theater for over a decade. These workshops feature new translations of Greek and Roman plays and contemporary works inspired by ancient literature. Past performances have included Aristotle/Alexander, The House of Baluyot, Medea Refracted, Letters from the Black Sea, and more.

The cast includes Christine Breihan, Cathy Carlton Hews, Ronnie Clark, Liz Eldridge, Sika Lonner, Kelvin Morales, Raven Pinkerton, Camila Rozo, and Brian Weir. The show will include music composed by Liz Eldridge, with movement direction by Christine Breihan and Adam Dlugolecki, lighting design by Brandon Baruch, scenic design by David Offner, sound design by Cricket Myers, costume design by Adriana Lambarri, prop design by Cate Chapman, puppet design by Emory Royston, and stage managed by Sam Pribyl. The production is produced by Mark Seldis.