Photo Coverage: Public Works Seattle's ODYSSEY a Delight for All – But this is NOT a Review!

Dear Readers, it's my unfortunate job, at this moment, to tell you of a show that you'll probably never get to see. Public Works Seattle's "The Odyssey" at the Seattle Rep kicked off last night and unfortunately for those who don't already have tickets, is only running through Sunday and, I believe, is already sold out.

For those unfamiliar, Public Works Seattle is a groundbreaking community engagement and participatory theatre initiative aimed at creating theatre of the people, by the people, and for the people of the region. Adapted from the nationally recognized model built by New York City's prestigious The Public Theater, the program seeks to engage audiences in new ways by making them creators and not just spectators. In that vein the folks at the Rep lead by Marya Sea Kaminski coordinated with local community organizations gathered up over 100 people to tell the story of "The Odyssey" as adapted with music by Todd Almond with an original concept by Lear deBessonet.

What's even more unfortunate is that since the show is filled with folks from all walks of life, professional performers to people that may have never set foot on a stage before, it just wouldn't be right to review the show as I normally would. I mean, how tacky would it be if I were to write something like "Dr. Feldman, our local podiatrist, who has never acted before and is doing something incredibly brave by stepping out of his comfort zone, was absolutely atrocious"? But the unfortunate part is not that I don't get to criticize "Dr. Feldman" or any of his fellow performers it's that I don't get to gush over them as much as I would like. I won't get to say that the show was an absolute delight from beginning to end. I won't get to say how thrilling it was to see so many people, from all walks of life, professionals and non-professionals alike, up there just having fun making art for art sake and telling a great story. I won't get to ramble on about how the level of diversity on that stage was so amazing that I don't think any sub-culture or minority group was not represented showing us how theater really can bring us all together. From professional singers and actors to dance troupes to musicians to a drill team and a drumline to everyday folks of all ages and ethnicities and even a sassy drag queen thrown in for good measure. They were all up there working together and appeared to be having a blast telling this story. I won't get to tell you all this and I won't get to express how much they all rocked it! And finally, I won't get to give my three-letter rating to the show as I'm NOT reviewing this. (Sue me, it would have been a YAY+!)

Kaminski, the folks at the Rep, and ALL the people who came together on that stage to welcome all of us home should be extremely proud of what they've accomplished. It's an experience I will treasure in my theatrical heart for years to come and I'm saddened that more people won't get to experience it. But for those that couldn't make it, here are a few photos from the event.

For more information on the Seattle Rep's Public Works Seattle program, visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.

Rheanna Atendido in Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett

Jala Harper, Sarah Williams, and Rheanna Atendido in Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett

Mikayla Sullivan and Candi Wilvang in Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett

Terrence Archie and Maggie Roth in Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett

Alexandra Tavares and Sean Morrin in Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett

Company members of Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Seattle production of The Odyssey. Photo credit: Jim Bennett