Prometheus stood up to a powerful dictator and paid the price, a message that resonates quite strongly today. Our world today faces tyranny and struggle as it always has. With people willing to stand up for what is right regardless of the consequences. That alone should be reason enough for you to see this play. The fact that they are working with Amnesty International to dedicate the play to other prisoners of conscious makes it even more important. Stand up for what is right and help others that have done the same. See this play.
I saw on Serj Tankian’s website that he was working on the music for this play and I automatically had to go. Not only is he one of my favorite musicians, but I also truly appreciate that he is willing to take a stand for what he believes is right, and what is wrong in the world today. The story of Prometheus fits in very well with his message about dealing with what he perceives as the end of civilization. His music reflects the struggle in the play very well and never sticks to just one genre, something I have always appreciated about him.
“Just like we shouldn’t put borders on our thoughts, I don’t think we should put borders on our music. I don’t think we should say music is designed for one purpose of another. So to say that it is only designed for entertainment would be shortcutting music, as would saying that music is designed solely for messages. That would be not giving music the wide span that it deserves. Music is used for many, many purposes, and I think it’s an intuitive medium that comes from the universe, connects us and co-inspires us – the presenter as well as the listener. Music has the ability to move people and change hearts, and the heart has the power to change the mind, and the mind has the power to change the world.” – Serj Tankian
Photo by Marcus Stern
The lyrics and script written by Steven Sater are an incredibly powerful and engaging translation of this 2500 year old play. Staging the play so that it happens in the midst of the audience only makes it more powerful, and the incredible music puts it over the top. The message of this play should resonate with everyone today, and the fact that it was even written and performed in the first place, at the dawn of democracy, stands alone as a powerful statement.
“In a very real way, Prometheus’ cry is the cry of conscience. The cry of a prisoner who will not yield. At heart, this is a play about resistance. About the power of a tortured individual to stand alone against evil. And, the action of Aeschylus’ original drama is sublime. It embodies the truth of inaction – the Gandhian power of standing alone. Of saying no. Of defeating one’s enemy by mastering one’s own soul – and never acknowledging the legitimacy of anyone to rule over it.” – Steven Sater
Photo by Marcus Stern
The considerable talent of the cast turns this into an electrifying performance. Gavin Creel as Prometheus and Uzo Aduba as Io are definite standouts in a fantastic and hard working cast. I went to this play on my birthday, and I have to say it was one of the best birthday presents I could have gotten. I feel that standing up for what you believe and supporting others who have done the same is one of the most important things you can do with your life. I hope that you feel the same and will support those who spread this message. Please check out the websites below for more information about the play and organizations looking to do what is right.
http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/events/show/prometheus-bound
Photo by Marcus Stern
Serj Tankian, Diane Paulus and Steven Sater. Photo by Kati Mitchel
http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/events/show/prometheus-bound