Il ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria, by C. Monteverdi at The Rose Nagelberg Theatre

This adaptation of the end of Homer's classic Odyssey focuses on the story of Penelope as she patiently awaits the return of her husband Ulysses, and the rewards that the Gods bestow when one lives with true virtue. In this updated production, Ulysses' return home from war is set in the early 1930's. We find Penelope, clad in wide-leg trousers, has taken up Ulysses' bow and arrow during his long absence. As Ulysses is presumed dead by almost everyone, Penelope struggles against the advances of unwelcome suitors, conniving courtiers, and her own servants hoping to convince her to move on with her life. With the mischievous Gods meddling in the lives of mortals, we soon learn that Ulysses is in fact alive. Will Penelope, constant and true, be so easily convinced?