PIERCED!
nytheatre.com review by Amy Heath Bell
August 15, 2002
Written in verse, Ginna
Hoben’s pierced!, a modern adaptation of the Greek myth "Atalanta
and the Golden Apples," quickly wins you over with its heart,
intelligence and ability to combine ancient Greece with a modern rhythm
and feel, using everything from rock and roll to "Ave Maria." Atalanta's
father demands that she get married and breed a son to replace him on
the throne. However, the oracles have decreed that Atalanta, the fastest
runner in the land, remain unmarried or she will be "a captive all her
days." A deal is struck whereby any man who can beat Atalanta in a foot
race may have her hand in marriage, but if she wins the race, she kills
her opponent. With the intervention of the goddess Aphrodite, Atalanta
finds herself running against Hippomenes. Torn between her love for
Hippomenes and a desire to maintain her independence Atalanta must
choose whether to win or lose the race. The conflict in pierced! centers around the search for the answer to the age-old question, "how do you love someone completely and still hold on to who you are and what makes you unique?" Ginna Hoben’s journey to answer this as author and actress is a funny, touching, action packed ride. As Atalanta, whether she’s running the race of her life or being drugged by the powers of a goddess into a surprising dance of new love, Hoben truly wears her heart on her sleeve allowing her emotions to play over not only her face, but her entire body. She has a beautiful voice that fully commands her space and enriches the text.
Tony Speciale’s directing is sharp and creative, using fabric, lights, and one simple set piece to create beautiful pictures and continually move the show forward. Joanna Buckner’s lighting design makes great use of the small space. It’s always a joy to see what truly creative people can do with good material, especially on a small budget. pierced! is a wonderful example of that ingenuity.
