Club Oberon feels like an underground rock club for the American Repertory Theater’s production of “Prometheus Bound.” Most patrons stand in the middle of the open dance floor as the action unfolds in every part of the room.
Once a favorite of Zeus, Prometheus now suffers at his hands for providing mortals with fire, thus giving them the ability to survive and foiling Zeus’ plan to eliminate the species.
As Prometheus, a shirtless Gavin Creel is tied in various torturous positions. The Tony-nominated star of the recent revival of “Hair” is painfully authentic as the target of Zeus’ rage.
Lea DeLaria is superb as Force, the brute leading the charge. The comic/singer delivers a convincing performance made even more so by the “Butch” tattoo on her forearm and an aggressive swagger.
Uzo Aduba delivers a gut-wrenching portrayal of Io, the woman Zeus raped and continues to torture long after she discovers an ally in Prometheus. Aduba’s flawless vocals and almost completely detached demeanor make her performance unforgettably haunting.
Though Steven Sater’s (”Spring Awakening”) book and lyrics and the music of System of a Down leader Serj Tankian are the core of this show, the sensory overload courtesy of Diane Paulus’ impeccable direction makes it an incredibly wild ride.
Now that’s dedication
“Prometheus Bound” has inspired the American Repertory Theater to create The Prometheus Project in conjunction with Amnesty International.
Each performance is dedicated to eight prisoners of conscience who have been silenced by their governments.
