Satyr play: genre of ancient Greek drama that preserves the structure and characters of tragedy while adopting a happy atmosphere and a rural background.

Or in the case of Griffin Hewitt’s Cyclops: A Satyr Play, the setting is more of a house party, and the “happy atmosphere” has a decided odour of regret mixed in. Reviving Euripides’ only surviving satyr play and giving it a modern spin, Cyclops: A Satyr Play is the perfect blend of history and hilarity, with a dash of Karaoke thrown in for good measure. With several interactive features, no two performances are ever going to be the same.

Once again, Talk is Free Theatre has created an immersive environment for audiences to experience their work. When you enter into the main playing space, there’s the detritus of a house party, complete with a karaoke speaker, disco ball, and an alarmingly long dildo amongst the trash. Oh, and a satyr sprawled out in the middle of the floor, sporting furry goat legs, a funky patterned shirt, and horns poking through his beanie.

This satyr is desperately trying to recall what’s happened the night before: how did he end up here? Where has everyone else gone? Was there beer pong involved? Eventually, he tells the audience the part of “The Odyssey” where Odysseus encounters the Cyclops; a thrilling story of capture, deception, and a little bit of debauchery, just for fun. The double entendre which permeates the text is a perfect harkening back to the satyr plays of old, and gives this harrowing tale a lighter side full of laughter. Along with songs created by Juliette Jones, the satyr begins to remember more about the night, and the role he’s played in the whole event.

However, he does not do so fully on his own. Cyclops involves a great deal of audience participation. There are times where we read the lines of the other characters, both as a chorus and individuals, as well as critical points where we get to decide as to how the story goes. I was lucky enough to sit right up front on the very comfy sofa and I was asked to be in control of the disco ball at the top of the show, as well as playing a pitifully bad round of one-eyed beer pong. Due to these interactive elements, the show can change every time you see it, inviting multiple viewings. Now, if you don’t want to be interacted with, you’ll definitely want to take one of the seats at the back, but hopefully you’ll still have some fun shouting along a line or two!

Hewitt is a charismatic and energetic performer, truly captivating us from the first moment to the last. He forms a deep connection with the audience, looking us in the eyes and truly making us feel like we’re a part of this journey with him. His powerful vocals and dynamic performance style make Cyclops an unforgettable experience.

“The Odyssey” seems to be on the forefront of our consciousness right now, with Troilus and Cressida having just been presented by Shakespeare BASH’d, and Christopher Nolan’s film set to release this summer. Cyclops: A Satyr Play shows us another way into these intense and thrilling stories: one full of songs, dirty jokes, and playfulness.

Cyclops: A Satyr Play runs until April 4 at B Street Arts Hub. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.tift.ca/shows/cyclops-a-satyr-play-2

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Definition of “satyr play” found here: https://www.britannica.com/art/satyr-play

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Cover Photo: Griffin Hewitt. Photo by Image Construction.

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