Boston’s theater scene is bursting with secrets, sensation and sociopolitical resonance, but we know the performing arts world just outside of the city is equally powerful – it just takes some searching to find the show that’ll be the highlight of your weekend.
That’s why we’ve made it our mission to unearth works, whether they be traditional Greek masterpieces resuscitated for the modern day, dives into portals that open up the past (and we’ve seen so many this fall – from “Eleanor” at the Central Square Theater to “Rhinoceros” at the American Repertory Theater) or comedy at a venue you didn’t know existed.
Two Somerville happenings might pique your interest during these late September days and nights. One production comes straight out of antiquity, yet its dramatization of a heroine’s plight continues to feel timely and relevant. At another performance, there’ll be humorous fare from local creatives, confronting the challenges of growing up queer in oppressive religious environments.
Sept. 26 to Oct. 11: “Iphigenia” (Nathan Tufts Park, Somerville)
Theatre@First, a Somerville community theater group, assembles two plays by the Greek author Euripides, “Iphigenia At Aulis” and “Iphigenia in Tauris.” Held outdoors at Nathan Tuft’s Park on Saturday and Sunday and continuing for the next two weekends in October, this production is directed by Michael Haddad and tells of a gut-wrenching decision. When King Agamemnon, leader of the Achaeans, plans to launch his 1,000 ships into war with Troy, he is asked by the Olympian gods to sacrifice the life of his daughter Iphigenia. What follows is a tragedy about family, survival and the devastation of armed conflict.
Sept. 26: “Exvangelicals” (Arts at the Armory, Somerville)
Creatives Andi Brown, a transgender comedian and storyteller with roots in the South, and Ira Claybourne, a queer comedian also from the South, present “Exvangelicals,” a “night of humor, healing and silliness.” The performers describe themselves as “two reformed cult members who were unable to pray the gay away,” and during this Saturday night show at the Center for Arts at the Armory, they use satire as a way of exploring what it means to have been raised in Christian environments while identifying as queer, conjuring up memories of promise rings and missionary work. The show starts at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Rooted Cafe.
