Review: "Iphigenia" is fantastic production

Sacrifice and betrayal, lust and rape, insanity and terrible mashed potatoes – all were on display in the world premiere performance of Don Nigro's "Iphigenia" at A&M-Commerce's University Playhouse last week. Based on the ancient Greek myth of the same name, and set in the early 20th century Ohio, "Iphigenia" presents a relevant and timeless commentary on human relationships.

"Iphigenia" centers around beautiful Jenna Ryan (A'Mari Rocheleau), her more intelligent and sarcastic sister Lexie (Kasey Thompson), and her parents Michael (Jeffrey Stirl) and Carolyn (Denise Buckels). Their daily routine is interrupted by the appearance of a strange, suave young man from Brooklyn named Nick Demetrius (portrayed by Jacob Layton in his best performance to date), who claims to know Michael from his New York days and hints at a dark secret. Angry and fearful, Michael gives Nick a job at the bank he works at and allows him to start courting his favorite daughter, Jenna.

Jenna senses that Nick poses a threat to her father's happiness and wellbeing, and marries Nick despite the fact that she despises him. On their wedding night, Jenna refuses to go to bed with Nick, who rapes her in a drunken rage. Jenna climbs onto the roof of their house and begins exhibiting signs of a mental breakdown, which will ultimately consume her. Lexie convinces her to return inside by promising the help her kill Nick.

For the next six months, Jenna locks herself in her parents' attic any time Nick comes to the Ryan house. Nick still visits the household, drinking with Michael and growing closer to Lexie. Jenna finally comes down to dinner and we learn that Michael committed a robbery with Nick's older brother, and left him to die after they were discovered.

Jenna then confronts her family – Michael for his crime, Nick for his blackmail and rape, and Lexie and Carolyn for their desire for Nick. Rather than risk Jenna spreading their secrets, Nick and the Ryan family have her committed to a local insane asylum. "Iphigenia" closes with the haunting image of Jenna in a straightjacket, the victim of her family's cowardice and betrayal.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of director Carrie Klypchak's production is the deft way that the cast deals with the sensitive issues raised by the play. Despite these themes, "Iphigenia" remains a black comedy, as willing to crack a joke about deep-seated family tensions as analyze them, which is possibly more cathartic.

Rocheleau shone in a role that seemed almost tailor-made for her and her haunting performance left an indelible mark on the audience. In portraying Jenna's sister, Lexie, Thompson stole multiple scenes with her sassy sarcasm, while Stirl's and Buckel's performances were both realistic and immediately accessible for the audience, albeit somewhat one-dimensional.

Jacob Layton's Nick Demetrius quickly became my favorite character, as I found the Brooklyn rascal wildly entertaining.

The play needed no set changes. Instead, expert use of lighting helped the audience differentiate between the various rooms of the Ryan house. When not in a scene, the actors stood in a darkened section of the set and often remained motionless for minutes at a time. A minimalistic soundtrack and the occasional appearance of the Chorus of Townspeople added the depth of the production.

"Iphigenia" was not without drawbacks. The second act tended to replay arguments and conversations, and lacks the intense action of the last portion of the first act.

Overall, however, "Iphigenia" was a fantastic production and a must-see for any A&M-Commerce student, faculty or staff member, which will be talked about for years.