Ancient Myths Meet Modern Protest in New Performance
The Antická Štvanice festival presents a unique take on the classic Greek myth of Perseus in their latest production, “Perseida.” This half-theatrical, half-musical performance explores the ancient narrative through a contemporary lens.
The story unfolds eleven times between September 1st and 16th on the western tip of Štvanice island. The creators, Simona Petrů and Tomáš Ráliš, have penned a text that delves into the timeless themes of power, gender, and societal transformation.
The performance features a live band and revolves around a protest song against the “masculine appetites of the rulers of the world.” Director Adam Steinbauer believes this approach transcends the traditional narrative and explores the limitations of past forms of protest.
The cast features Mark Kristián Hochman as the young Perseus, Eva Leinweberová as Medusa, Ondřej Kolín as King Polydectus, and Andrea Steinbauer as Princess Andromeda.
The production’s setting is a labyrinth of scaffolding materials, designed by Magdalena Teleky, with costumes inspired by metal fashion by Karolína Srpková.
The creators draw inspiration from Greek mythology, where Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae, and explore the ambiguity surrounding gender roles and power dynamics in ancient society.
“For me, it was interesting to observe a strange and irritating ambiguity in it: the disfigured female victim is portrayed as a terrifying monster, glorified rulers plunder the earthly and mythical empires, send their sons to the flames of hell and chain their daughters to the rocks,” says author and playwright Simona Petrů. “But the story also offers hope.”