Presented by Boston theatre company Whistler in the Dark, Tales from Ovid marries Ovid’s take on the Roman myths and Ted Hughes’ vibrant poetry. These timeless stories are brought to life through movement and acrobatics performed high above the stage on pale blue aerial silks. The main focus of the production settles on the transformation myths. Whether through great hardship, sorrow, mercy, or vengeance, gods change mortal bodies as a means of escape or punishment. Each myth is bookended by a great drawing of breath by the company, signifying the continuation of life in the face of tremendous change.
 

These myths were first created and shared as a means of explanation of the natural world. Common scientific knowledge was extremely limited, so people relied on folklore, superstition, and tradition to pass on lessons and knowledge to each other and to their children. In these early cultures, life was seen as a gift from the gods, and that their divine influence shaped mortal fate. Tales from Ovid explores this idea in greater intensity. In each of the featured myths, the gods intervene in such a profound way that the audience is left pondering the divide between human choice and fate in unfathomable situations.
 

In our modern culture, we have ready, reliable answers for some of life’s difficult questions. We understand the concepts of evolution, the Big Bang, why the seasons change, and humanity’s impact on the earth. We no longer rely on old stories to teach our children how these things work. However, we are still no closer to finding the best, most effective ways to deal with extreme pain and heartache. We have prescription medication to dull pain, but no cure for deep emotional transformation. While we aren’t magically changed into birds or trees as a means of coping with disaster, we are still deeply, fundamentally changed by our experiences. Here is where the line between modern knowledge and old mysticism blurs. We do not ask to be changed, and yet we are transformed all the same, for better or worse. Tales from Ovid connects the old and the new, the believed and the proven, to question whether we are still touched by the unknown. While our bodies may remain human on the outside, our souls may change into any grand design to help us cope. Through the juxtaposition of contemporary speech and movement with ancient belief in the unknown, Tales from Ovid helps us find a place where we can understand and embrace transformation as a means of healing our souls.

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​Ted Hughes' Tales From Ovid ran from November 8-18th, 2012 in the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theater.