During a wedding scene, Clytemnestra, played by Biz Wells, looks on as Iphigenia, played by Molly Dickerson, and Achilles, played by Sandy Bass, discuss their love.
Director Andrew Dolan likened the theatre department's newest production, "Iphigenia 2.0," to an iPod commercial.
The play is a collage and uses everything from news stories, George Washington's rules of etiquette and blogs to help tell the story. And, just as the advertisements for the music player, when all the miscellaneous elements of the play are combined they mesh together seamlessly, Dolan said.
"We're of the iPod generation," Dolan said, a third-year master of fine arts student in directing and public dialogue. "With my work, I am moving at the rhythm that society moves at."
This is a Greek myth about Iphigenia, the daughter of King Agamemnon. While Agamemnon has to prove himself as a leader by sacrificing Iphigenia to his soldiers, Iphigenia must prepare for her wedding and eventually deal with news of her own impending death.
Dolan said he admires how the playwright weaves modern cultural elements into the script and the play's themes of power and war.
"This explores the empire that is continuing to grow. At what point does an empire fall?" Dolan said. "What is our American empire?"
He said the play is comparable to a roller coaster and every element contributes to that chaotic ride. Thisincludes music that spans DMX, tango and Tibetan throat singing.
"It's not theatre, it's live, aggressive, energetic performance," Dolan said. "It will rock your face off."
Second-year master of fine arts student and sound designer Paul Schreiner was responsible for selecting this show's eclectic music selection. Schreiner sifted through his iTunes library of 31,000 tracks to come up with about 30 pieces of music and effects for the show.
"Andy has a strong background in sound design as well. It's been a challenge, (putting together the soundtrack). I don't have to be the only one looking for things," Schreiner said in between taking puffs from his tobacco pipe.
The wedding and sacrifice scene of the play includes about 12 tracks that have been layered together to represent the frenzied mood of the setting -- it includes tribal drums and chanting.
Theatre arts alumnus Alex Ritchie plays Agamemnon and said he faces added pressure to start the play off right.
Ritchie said "Iphigenia 2.0" has also been a challenging production for him as he usually takes on the role of the funny guy, and portraying a king has been a unique experience.
"Before the play starts, Agamemnon is strong and this is supposed to show his breakdown. He has to maintain the status of men who are supposed to follow him," Ritchie said. "He's not a badass at all."
Twenty-year-old Ritchie said the experience difference between himself and his character, who is in his 50s, was another factor he had to consider when he sculpted his role.
"I've never really been a king before," Ritchie said.
Agamemnon is the father of the title character, Iphigenia, who is portrayed by sophomore theatre arts major Molly Dickerson. Dickerson said she fell in love with the script after reading it and wanted to work with Dolan on his last show at Virginia Tech.
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