Cassandra is a Hollywood Fringe production that combines Greek mythology and rock ‘n roll. The story and direction is by Kelly McMahon. The book is by Anthea Carns. The Stage Manager is Heidi Starrelle. The music is by Patti Smith.
In the story, Princess Cassandra (ThurZday) is the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. The place is the legendary city of Troy. Ada Marinelli plays the roles of the Fate Clotho, who spins the Thread of Life and Hecuba, the Queen of Troy. Hannah Howzdy plays the roles of Fate Atropos, who cuts the Thread of Life and Clytemnestra, the Queen of Sparta. Sofía Bragar plays the Fate Lachesis, who measures the Thread of Life and Athena, the Goddess of War. RJ Dawson plays Apollo, God of the Sun, who is in love with Cassandra.
This play follows the life of Cassandra as she goes from love to rejection by Apollo, her experience as a prophetess, her pain to see the fall of her beloved city of Troy, her rape by Ajax and her subsequent avenge by Athena, and her final fate.
McMahon’s adaptation of this classic tale re-tells the story of Cassandra from a feminine perspective. The most famous authors who depict Cassandra in their writings were all male: Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Euripides, and Hyginus.
Even though McMahon follows the classical story line, the inclusion of Patti Smith’s songs gives this production an impactful and feminist take on this enigmatic character. The selected songs are paired up with a corresponding scene of the play. We hear “Dancing Barefoot” when introducing Cassandra, “Upright Come” with Clotho’s lesson, “Cash” with Lachesis’ lesson, “Trespasses” with Atropo’s lesson, “Ask The Angels” with the prophecy about Helen, “Dead City” with the prophecy about that Horse, “Death Singing” with the prophecy about Clytemnestra’s plans, and “Dream of Life” with the Comfort interlude with Apollo. The addition of ancient Greek music with lyre such as “Europa” and “The Discord of Eris” puts a magic touch to the ambiance.
Cassandra features dancing, singing, and a form of laterna magica to display on the walls some of the facts mentioned in the story. ThurZday, Bragar, Howzdy, and Marinelli deliver a compelling performance to give a new voice to these Trojan women from ancient Greece.
Cassandra
Book by Anthea Carns. Songs by Patti Smith. Story and Direction by Kelly McMahon. Cast: ThurZday, RJ Dawson, Ada Marinelli, Sofía Bragar, and Hannah Howzdy.
Studio/Stage
520 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
For tickets and dates: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7512?tab=details
