Penthesilea
UK PREMIERE
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam presents a visceral, sexy and grungy reinterpretation of an ancient love story with the medium of music.
Ferocious and emotionally charged, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s production of Heinrich von Kleist’s Penthesilea is a powerful fusion of a rock concert and an ancient tragic love story.
Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons, belongs to an all-female society of warriors, who can only have sex with men they have defeated on the battlefield. Locking eyes with the Greek army commander Achilles during battle in the Trojan War, Penthesilea falls in love at first sight and vows to defeat him. The star-crossed lovers wrestle between the demands of their war-faring societies and the wishes of their hearts.
Director Eline Arbo is renowned for breaking down boundaries. Her latest play defies gender convention, traditional staging and cultural norms, creating something frantic, thrilling and sensual.
After her critically acclaimed debut at the 2022 International Festival with The End of Eddy, Eline Arbo returns with ITA for this shocking, erotic retelling of von Kleist’s classic 1808 production, likened to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.
Post-show talk: 4 Aug
Eline Arbo turns a tragedy from 1808 into a sexy and toxic gem
The protagonists are not war heroes, but rock stars: Achilles and Penthesilea drag microphone stands across the stage, their silhouettes standing out against white smoke.
Supported by Performing Arts Fund NL
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Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
Eline Arbo After
Heinrich von Kleist
Eline Arbo Director & Adaptation
Thijs van Vuure Composer & Musical Director
Heinrich von Kleist Writer
Gerrit Komrij Translator
Bart Van den Eynde Dramaturg & Adaptation
Pascal Leboucq Set Designer
Alva Brosten Costume Designer
Varja Klosse Lighting Designer
Dennis Slot Sound Designer
Daniël 't Hoen, Zorba Huisman Assistant Director
Cast Daphne Agten, Marieke Heebink, Maarten Heijmans, Maria Kraakman, Jesse Mensah, Ilke Paddenburg, Eefje Paddenburg, Felix Schellekens, Steven Van Watermeulen
Jeroen van Ingen and Jaap Kooijman, Bertil van Kaam Private producer
Inge Zeilinga, Michiel van Schijndel Production-leader
Stijn van der Leeuw Stage manager
Toon de Vries, Thijs Veerman, Kevin Cuyvers, Zinzi Kemper, Rinse de Jong, Paul Meijer, Nelis Meijer, Wouter Pieters, Pepijn van Beek Technical staff
Mirjam Venema Hair and make-up
Carlijn Veurink Dresser
Erik Borgman Surtitles
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