Pandora and the Sickle Moon
Pandora, the first woman created by Greek gods, has opened a box releasing all the evils of humanity. She can't undo the deed so she decides her penance must be to observe the evil play out in the world. She serves as the audience's narrator in this tragic fairy tale told out of time and place. Pandora tells of Freya, a young princess who has been captured in a battle that killed her family. A classically evil queen, Skadaas, is plotting a way to stay in power. Her first-born son, Brono, does not speak and, therefore, cannot be king. Her second-born son, Vol, is an explorer who has no kingly aspirations, though his mother wishes otherwise. Both sons fall for Freya. Pandora frets about not being able to stop evil and considers her situation hopeless, yet through a climactic and surprising sacrifice, she realizes that Freya has taught her that hope will always remain. About 35 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Playwright Jessica Chipman
What inspired you to write this play?
One of life's biggest questions that has always interested me is regarding good and evil. If evil was removed from the world, would humans know good existed? Would we take it for granted? The myth of Pandora is so terrifying: imagine the burden of being responsible for all evil! When I wrote "Pandora and the Sickle Moon," it was in an attempt to reconcile why evil is part of our world.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
I love Freya's character and her surprising choice at the end of the play. To me, she represents the most pure perspective on life, love, and hope. She sees her own life has purpose, and she fulfills that purpose with shocking clarity.
What was the most difficult part in creating a work based on Greek mythology?
I found it most difficult to create a new story that Pandora is privy to, and maintaining fidelity to her myth. Once Skadaas, Brono, Vol, and Freya's character solidified, it was fun to meld their world with Pandora's.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
My hope in writing "Pandora and the Sickle Moon" was to create a play that could speak to maintaining hope in spite of tragedy. I hope "Pandora and the Sickle Moon" does just that.