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The Myth of Persephone
The Myth of Persephone is an adaptation of the ancient Greek myth by Leslie Elias and Vanessa Roe, co-founders of Grumbling Gryphon’s Theater. In this classic story of how the seasons came to be, the fascinating world of Greek mythology springs to life through marvelous masks, costumes, live music, audience participation and environmental awareness of the need for green renewal and helping to save our precious earth.
Lord Pluto takes Persephone away from the Earth and her mother Demeter, goddess of corn and grain, to hold her captive in Hades, his underground kingdom, where she is guarded by Cerberus, the Three-Headed Dog. The audience becomes the Greek chorus, chanting and singing to help the gods and goddesses rescue Persephone from Hades. The story ends with a compromise that Persephone live with her husband for part of each year, when the seeds will lay dormant in the barren season of winter. Her annual return to Earth marks the beginning of Spring and the seasons for planting and growth.
This highly interactive production, set to music, is enlivened by captivating songs and gods, goddesses and otherworldly creatures in fantastic masks who act out the myth against colorful and imaginative backdrops. Three actors perform the various roles in the production: among them, Comedy and Tragedy (who serve as storytellers) Persephone, Cerberus, Demeter, Pluto, Mercury, Arethusa, Apollo and Zeus.
The traditional Greek masks were made by Robert Flannagan of New York City, who has designed masks and puppets for The Muppets, Saturday Night Live and several Broadway productions. Ellen Moon of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut made the scenery and costumes, for this as well as for many Gryphons’ productions.
In Banning Hall
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