Jason and the Argonauts, Williamson Park, July 2009
review by Alan Chard
Production photographs : review by Alan Chard : Press release
The audience awaiting the start of the performance. (Click to enlarge)
This year the Dukes theatre embarks on its 23rd season of promenade theatre in Williamson Park, Lancaster with a striking production of the 3000 year-old story of Jason and the Argonauts – a kind of ancient Greek mission impossible. Adaptation is by Kevin Dyer, who also adapted last year’s Beauty and the Beast.
The evening begins by the lake in Williamson Park; a truly magical setting on a high point in Lancaster, the shallow lake becomes a variety of locations as the audience is transformed into the Argonauts and are cast in various roles with strange amusing names based on a Greek theme.
The voyage begins with the audience – now the Argonauts, sailing or promenading, past the Sirens, a group of long-haired beauties singing their beguiling song on the other side of the lake. The cast encourages us, the Argonauts to keep their ears covered or suffer the same fate as the unfortunate Testicles. The Argonauts weave their way through the leafy setting, a memorable experience stimulating all the senses are the sound of the sirens fades into the distance.
Phineas who was blinded by the gods tells Jason where to follow the quest in return for freeing him from the Harpies, strange half-bird half-woman creatures who have been sent to make sure that Phineas can eat no more than is necessary to keep him alive. Audience participation is a large feature here as we Argonauts provide strange new treats such as crisps and an onion barghi to lure the harpies to their capture.
Jason is tested during his voyage and at times gives some questionable orders, such as his decision to shoot the harpies. At times we’re not sure our leader has the confidence to lead us on our quest although he does ultimately triumph we later share his inner thoughts and trials.
Our voyage continues past the Symplegades – the clashing rocks with a striking piece of theatre that turns the steps of the Williamson Memorial into a far away sea with huge waves, massive walls of rock and the huge figure of Poseidon who smashes a trireme with his clashing rocks. We, the Argonauts make it through after releasing a dove that was given to Jason by Phineas. This was a marvelous piece of theatre truly transporting us in time and place by force of imagination. Some of the dialogue is thoroughly modern and addressed directly to us Argonauts.
Following a 30 minute interval our quest for the golden fleece continues outside the Williamson Memorial, now transformed into Aeetes’ palace where his daughter Medea waves spells. Jason is tested when Aeetes kills Petracles in what seems like an act of gratuitous violence then dumps the body onto a cart already laden with mutilated bodies.
A raging battle follows between Jason and Khalkotauri the fire-breathing original becoming a massive bull that Jason defeats by throwing dust into its eyes, having been provided with body armour by Medea whose heart has been softened by the goddess Here.
Our adventure continues in the Dell, a magic theatrical location complete with tiered seating. Here Jason meets Zeus scatters the teeth he took from the defeated bull and then battles skeleton warriors that emerge. As darkness closes in around us the battle scene is truly frightening. Finally Jason and Medea overcome the dragon that never sleeps and is the final obstacle to obtaining the fleece. Our quest ends where is began at the lake as Jason returns with Medea and the fleece only to find that his mother has been executed during his absence.
Jason’s character is further explored and tested as Medea shows her powers as the handmaiden of he fleece and brutally kills Pelias before inviting Jason the join her and enjoy immortality. This exploration of Jason’s character is a recurrent theme throughout the production whereby we are led to question the ability of our leader. In classical mythology the killing is the result of battles, intervention of the gods or plots whilst in this production some of the killing is rather graphic, Aeetes twists the head of Petracles to break his neck - perhaps reflecting a modern trend of showing violent acts.
A very enjoyable evening, the performance lasting 3 hours including a 30 minute interval.
Of practical consideration - arrive early if you want to park in the limited parking on-site and bring change because Lancaster Council has converted the parking into Pay and Display that applies 7 days a week, including evening performances. On-street parking nearby is
limited by double-yellow lines and cones.
The advertising suggests a minimum age of 7, some parents might find some of the character names and subjects explored more suitable for a slightly older audience.