Touchstone Theatres "Odysseus" is a bold and emotional tour de force for Bill George who created and performs in the compelling one-man play based on Homers epic Greek tale.
Accompanied only by musician Rob Aptaker who provides a backing soundscape, George commands the stage from the moment he steps barefoot onto Touchstones black box theater, 321 E. 4th St., Bethlehem in the show that continues through Nov. 6.
The original work follows the mythical ten-year journey of Odysseus, who is struggling to make his way home after the Trojan War. The script, written by George, is drawn primarily from Alexander Pope's 18th-century poetry but is also influenced by several other interpretations of Homers work.
The play is an intense two and a half hours long as George prowls the minimally decorated stage portraying a pantheon of characters from gods and goddesses including Zeus, Poseidon and Athena to human mortals such as Odysseus, his son Telemachus and his wife Penelope.
He is as comfortable portraying Odysseus broken-hearted elderly father Laertes, as he is the love-struck young virgin Nausicaa.
It is fascinating to watch as George depicts the reunion of Odysseus and his beloved wife Penelope, playing both parts and altering his posture as he shifts between the male and female characters.
A simple bench which George moves around the stage, gives him a place to lounge and stand upon, as well as serves for the balcony from which Penelope addresses her aggressive suitors.
George is at the top of his form creating visceral moments such as when two eagles fight above the throng of suitors and his hands rise above him creating arresting shadows on the stage. Other similarly intense moments are when Menelaus restrains Proteus as he transforms into a succession of wild beasts; when Odysseus raft is destroyed by a violent storm sent by the angry Poseidon and one of the suitors throws an oxhoof at Odysseus who is disguised as a beggar.
George also excels at portraying the highly emotional moments such as when a prostrate Odysseus weeps in despair on the beach; the reunion of Odysseus with his father Laertes and even the death of Odysseus faithful dog Argos.
Also memorable is Georges ability to paint vivid pictures with his colorful descriptions from his many iterations of the churning sea to the unsettlingly detailed deaths of the suitors.
Adding to atmosphere is Aptakers myriad of instruments to provide an aural backdrop to the story.
Aptaker employs a large drum as well as finger piano, bowls, rain sticks, lap harp, flute and more to create Penelopes cries, Calypsos song, the shriek of eagles, the twang of the bow, ocean waves, crashing thunder and more.
Aptaker also provides several affecting acapella songs delivered in Greek at critical moments during the show.
George was assisted in directorial duties by Gerard Stropnicky in creating this fearless and evocative show.
Performances are 7 p.m. Nov. 3 to 5, and 3 p.m. Nov. 6. Tickets are $25 for adults; and $15 for seniors and students. For information call 610-867-1689, or go to touchstone.org.