The Penelopiad

The Penelopiad Women's CircusMarking their 25th Anniversary, the Women’s Circus presents an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s retelling of the myth of Penelope and her maids, hung by Odysseus upon his return from the Trojan War – at the Drill Hall, West Footscray until 27 November 2016.

For Penelope, wife of Odysseus, maintaining a kingdom while her husband was off fighting the Trojan War was not a simple business. Already aggrieved that he had been lured away due to the shocking behaviour of her beautiful cousin Helen, Penelope must bring up her wayward son, face down scandalous rumours and keep over a hundred lustful, greedy and bloodthirsty suitors at bay…

With humour and pathos, The Penelopiad explores the silencing of women’s stories and the prevalence of violence against women in our culture. This is an ancient story that speaks to us today; a story that gives a voice to the voiceless within history and lets them speak, sing and dance.

With live music and songs and featuring an ensemble of 30 dedicated members of the Women’s Circus (acrobats, aerialists, actors, musicians, and singers), The Penelopiad celebrates the artistry and passion of an extraordinary group of women, and the 25th year of an iconic community organisation.

Women’s Circus is a not for profit arts organisation offering a year round circus and performance training program and producing socially engaged arts projects for women and their communities. It is a proudly feminist organisation dedicated to individual well-being of women, and connectedness within and across their communities.

The Penelopiad
Drill Hall – 395 Barkly Street, West Footscray
Season continues to 27 November 2016
Information and Bookings: www.womenscircus.org.au

Image: The Penelopiad – courtesy of the Women’s Circus