Reviewer: Chloë Cerva
Venue: Malcolm Field Theatre
Women Who Weave, written by J.S. Puller, is a captivating play that explores themes of destiny, heroism, and the strength of women through the lens of Greek mythology. Centered around the young Atalanta, a spirited 12-year-old who feels excluded from the traditionally male-dominated world of adventure and heroism, the play takes us on a dreamlike journey where Atalanta finds empowerment through stories and metaphors.
At the heart of the play is Atalanta’s encounter with the Fates, the three powerful goddesses who weave the tapestry of life. The interactions between Atalanta and these figures — Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos — are rich in symbolism and provide a meaningful exploration of life’s cycle, while also introducing us to other legendary women from Greek mythology, such as Penelope, Ariadne, and Philomel.
Skylar Summey’s performance as Atalanta was truly a highlight, delivering not only an endearing portrayal of the big dreamer protagonist but also skillfully bringing to life three other strong, mythological female characters. The dynamic ten-person cast’s versatility and energy were central to maintaining the play’s pace and keeping it engaging from start to finish. Kalinah Dunn who plays Lachesis also stood out with their graceful narration, expertly guiding the audience through longer scenes with ease and clarity.
The production team went above and beyond with the giant tree centerpiece that could be rearranged to serve various scenes, further enhancing the fluidity of the production. The dreamy, magical soft lighting was stunning. The costume design, based on ancient Greek styles, visually transported the audience into the world of the gods. The choreography was key in many scenes, my favorite being the fight scene with the Minotaur and the playful, weaving end dance with the entire cast.
Overall, Women Who Weave would be a wonderful introduction to theatre for younger audiences while still providing enough depth and enjoyment for adults. It’s a play that celebrates the strength of women and reminds us all that our heroism is shaped by the choices we make.