Azura plays Oracle in Margaret Atwood's play "The Penelopiad"

Iowa City, 6-9 March 2025. 

The Penelopiad brings the story of a long-suffering Queen to life. The play, enacted at the James Theatre in Iowa City, told the story of Quieen Penelope, wife of the famous hero Odysseus, and her 12 young maids.

Oracle, played by Azura Tyabji, delivers a monologue during a performance of The Penelopiad on March 5, 2025. 

“The Odyssey” is a story that has been told many times, rewritten throughout history to remark on the brave and treacherous exploits of the Greek hero Odysseus. The hero’s wife, Penelope, is looked upon in that story as a beautiful and pure woman who spends many years outsmarting other men to remain faithful to her beloved husband.

Penelope’s story from the 20 years she spent waiting for her husband is not talked about as often.

“The Penelopiad” tells that story, centering on the Queen of Ithaca and the twelve young maids with whom she was close. It is the maids, perhaps even more than Penelope herself, who shape Dreamwell Theatre’s latest production.

“The Penelopiad” is a retelling of a novel of the same name written by Margaret Atwood and, similar to many Atwood works, it forces its audience to face uncomfortable truths.

I particularly enjoyed this aspect of the show, as it illustrates that it is a story being told by women who are typically not allowed to speak up for themselves. Each male character is seen how the women would see him here, they’re not in the spotlight like in “The Odyssey.”

I was never once confused over who anyone was supposed to be and was only entertained by the differences in mannerisms and speech patterns that would occur when the actresses would switch roles.

Another strength of the play is it does not shy away from portraying difficult content. Throughout the play, there are depictions of physical and sexual violence towards the woman as the suitors invade every aspect of their life.

Written by Riley Dunn, Digital Editor, The Daily Iowan