←Recommendations of HOMERIDAE

This is a strong and thought provoking piece, which dramatizes questions of ancient philosophy in a modern university. Espinoza lays naked the racist structures of the modern academy, and classical studies in particular, while simultaneously making a bold argument for the urgency of the classics (and academic methods) in the modern world. Every college and university in America should stage this play.

There's so much beauty and wonder in this play I'm not even sure how to capture it in a review. It's dense and philosophical but it flies by. It's raw and restrained. It's classical and fresh! A wealth of beautiful contradictions. Anyone wondering about the future of American theater need look no further than this play.

HOMERIDAE is electrifying — zippy, inventive, searing, and deeply thought-provoking — and is ready to take the theater world by storm. Zandra's work blew us away when she submitted HOMERIDAE for a PlayPenn Education reading this year, and we were honored to present it in May 2019.

I had the pleasure of attending this reading. Alexandra has a talent for weaving nuanced story with biting humor. HOMERIDAE asks, “Which ancient cultures merit academic attention?” She illustrates how those with power control the narrative but by questioning, shows how we can usurp the balance and tip the scale.

Who could see this play and not sing (muse) its praises! Homeridae makes dancing across huge oceans of tone, language, theme, and time look easy. Its central thesis, a racial and cultural reclamation of academia and of ancient beauty that's been subsumed by the Ivory Tower, is so refreshing and startling, a welcome jolt to inherited sensibilities. This is a story about finding your voice in your past, present, and future, carved with humor that smashes barriers and characters that bulge to bursting with life and ideas. What can I say but: do this play.

This is a phenomenal play. I saw a reading of it at the Great Plains Theatre Conference and can’t wait to see it produced. It is an important look at racial tensions in academia, at academia’s bias towards white classical literature. It is also hilarious and masterful at navigating tone. The structure of the play is beautiful - it makes you skeptical and then gut punches you. Gorgeous language, beginning and ending in incantations. Please produce this play.

A fascinating re-examination of who has a right to history and the long shadow cast by institutional prejudice. Espinoza comes at these issues from all angles, leaving no room to hide from her insights and imagination. This is an endlessly important story to tell and one that deserves to be heard far and wide.

Just saw this at the Great Plains Theatre Conference. I am so grateful Alexandra wrote this play because it's brave. I say brave because there is so much that's been taught regarding the history and it's been somewhat a lie. Especially regarding Black history. I really loved the moments that it's an all-black cast, talking about universal themes. The moment Homer comes to life I was invested all the way through. And also found out Alexandra created the language that's in the play, just wow! Great work, Alexandra!

This is a captivating play with incredible wit and beautifully complex characters. It is engaging from the very start and keeps you hooked. There is so much humor alongside the pain and sorrow. It makes you face a lot of hard truths about academia and about being true to yourself. I so enjoyed this play!

A magically theatrical and linguistically marvelous play! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment for its truth about academia and its relevance. Thrilling - I hope it will be produced soon and often!