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Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

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  • David Hansen:
    26 Apr. 2021
    “ The playwright playful anachronrizes the tale, it is then, but also now, with phones and media and humorous, contemporary turns of phrase. But it’s comic relief, which serves to make the tragedy, the drama bearable, not to send it up. The protagonist endures such grief, the absence of her husband, the murder of one child, the dismissive behavior of her other children. It's gorgeous and funny and upsetting and wonderful. Highly recommended! ”
  • Ky Weeks:
    25 Apr. 2021
    “ A mythic and tragic story that adds new and refreshing elements to the original tale. Reverses the Greek Chorus in interesting and impactful ways. In every sense, Clytemnestra is telling her own story, and it's every bit as mourning and vengeful as one could hope for. The meaningful use of the element of water is fitting, as this is a play that feels as though it's sinking into darker depths, drawing us in as well. ”
  • Samantha Marchant:
    13 Apr. 2021
    “ A truly fabulous script! It is clear Speckman knows her Clytemnestra inside and out. This is a character that has my full attention. Every element in the script is woven with such care. Love the bathtub and all the visuals. A fresh take on an old tale, highly recommend! ”
  • J.E. Hibbard:
    24 Mar. 2021
    “ An adaptation that grips the audience in it’s fluid embrace, CLYT; OR THE BATHTUB PLAY, strikes the heart of what makes Greek Tragedies great. Through effortless dialogue and swimmingly smooth transitions, Elisabeth Griffin Speckman has given us a modern adaptation that speaks volumes to our most basic instincts while still managing to utilize traditional Greek theatre building blocks. A concrete script filled with sweet and tender moments that give way to the brutality of humankind. It is a piece that begs to be staged! The stage directions alone strike up insane visuals in my mind. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. ”
  • Monica Cross:
    22 Mar. 2021
    “ CLYT; OR, THE BATHTUB PLAY gives us a much needed prespective on moments surrounding the Trojan War. Elisabeth Giffin Speckman not only gives us Clytemnestra's point of view, but also rich relationships between between sisters (Clytemnestra/Helen and Electra/Iphigenia). With a blended pastiche of settings, ancient and modern, we are introduced to a new way of concieving what it means to be a timeless tale. This play is maintain high tensions as we watch characters march towards unalterable fates. There is also a satisfying blend of physical comedy, word play, and irony peppered throughout this script!

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND! ”
  • Steven G. Martin:
    20 Mar. 2021
    “ This full-length drama is an exciting, surprising, refocused exploration of one of the most epic Greek myths and legends.

    It's not only the content of "Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play" that is brilliant, but also how Elisabeth Giffin Speckman tells the story. She uses ravishing, expressionistic stage directions; direct address to the audience; chorus action; anachronisms; a cinematic-like montage and more to make an audience understand and sympathize with Clytemnestra.

    I was fortunate to attend an early workshop of "Clyt" and a virtual reading of a more developed script. This is shining, brilliant, theatrical, exciting, and worthy of production. ”
  • Daniel Prillaman:
    8 Mar. 2021
    “ God, Speckman’s world would be so much FUN to stage! Not only is it commanding and powerful, it is filled with the kind of striking pictures and images we are sorely feeling the loss of in these pandemic times. “Clyt” takes us through an impassioned character study of simple honesty, women can be jealous. Angry. They can seek vengeance. Natural human emotions are allowed to everyone, so why have past tellings of the story demonized her so? This is a brave, explorative, and rich examination of the myth, and it is a play you need to know about. ”
  • Marcia Eppich-Harris:
    2 Mar. 2021
    “ Lovers of Greek mythology will be dazzled by Speckman's take on Clytemnestra's story. A modern adaptation that takes seriously the agony of women's sacrifices, Clyt gives us a rare view into the realities of motherhood, marriage, betrayal, and rage in a combination of ancient and contemporary contexts. The play would be incredibly intriguing on stage and would pull on directors' and actors' creative energies in all the best ways! Fascinating!! ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman:
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ I seriously adore Clyt: or, The Bathtub Play for the ingenious ways Speckman takes us behind the scenes of the Oresteia to show us Clytemnestra's world. As we are today FINALLY waking up to the fact that there is a female side to these ancient tales, Speckman's Clyt is one of the most thrilling re-imaginings providing so much of what we never got to see for millenia! Curious about Helen of Troy? The truth about Cassandra? First rate roles for actors to explore and a spareness that directors will love. PRODUCE PRODUCE PRODUCE! ”
  • Emily McClain:
    30 Jan. 2021
    “ Read this play! The imagry alone is visceral and compelling, but coupled with the powerful dialogue and the epic scope of these characters brings the entire piece to a truly remarkable place. Speckman's use of contemporary language and motivations brings new perspective to the women that stood at the periphery of these well known stories. I'm so excited when a play activates my "director brain" and asks me to engage with it on such a visual level. Evocative, beautiful, wet... I loved it. Well done! ”

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