PORT TOWNSEND — In counterpoint to Gin Hammond’s one-woman show “Returning the Bones,” veteran actor Charlie Bethel has reimagined Homer’s “The Odyssey” and is staging his one-man show in repertory through October at Key City Playhouse.
Bethel portrays brave Odysseus voyaging across land and sea, exploring the Underworld and climbing Mount Olympus — within an hour and 45 minutes. Curtain time for the opening performance comes at 5 p.m. Sunday at Key City Playhouse, then shows are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11, and Oct. 18, 23, 24 and 26.
Modern language
“The Odyssey” is laced with modern vernacular, Bethel noted, adding that he wasn’t just inspired to adapt the play.
“Summoned” would be more accurate, said the actor, not one to shrink from dramatic language.
The story, in which Bethel guides the audience through a maze of vengeful gods, ferocious cyclops and seductive sirens, contains mature themes, so it’s recommended for theatergoers age 12 and older.
Bethel, for his part, has no qualms about making this trip by himself.
“Audiences come to watch and hear language and movement, with an eye toward narrative,” he said, so “it doesn’t matter if there’s only one person on stage.”
Bethel offers advice to those who embark on “The Odyssey”: Turn off your brain, turn on your mind and “engage in the dreamtime.”
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
