"Megan Follows, Penelope in The Penelopiad"
Premiere of Margaret Atwood's production based on the myth of The Odyssey in Toronto By Rosanna Bonura

The 2012 season at Nightwood Theatre is already proving to be a success with the Toronto professional premiere of Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad, which had its opening night on January 10 to a highly responsive audience. The production is based on Atwood's novella published in 2005 and is a re-write of the ancient myth of The Odyssey. The story follows the main character, Penelope, played by the very talented Megan Follows, through the 20-year absence of her husband Odysseus who takes off to fight in the Trojan War. Penelope is left alone to raise her rowdy son and fend off hundreds of opportunistic suitors, all while trying to keep calm among scandalous rumors. She enlists her maids in a ruse to protect her good name. But when Odysseus massacres the suitors and brutally hangs the 12 maids upon his return, all eyes turn to Penelope.

The Penelopiad takes on this old world myth in a modern and creative way that only Margaret Atwood is able to do, combining classical tragedy, Victorian melodrama, campy burlesque and rollicking song. Themes of double standards between the sexes and classes, and the fairness of justice are addressed in the production. "It's a pretty outrageous and playful piece of theatre. It's fun and has all kinds of different elements," says Megan. The production is also composed of an all-female cast, which is rare in the world of theatre. "It feels great. I've been really fortunate because I've had that experience before in Top Girls, again by another female playwright and directed by females. It feels fantastic," says Megan of her role in The Penelopiad.

Megan Follows is one of Canada's most prominent actors nominated for several Gemini Awards during her career. She has an extensive and impressive list of television, film and theatre credits. She is especially known for her role of Anne Shirley in the Anne of Green Gables trilogy, a series that can truly be considered as a staple of Canadian history. "This continues to be a story people love today because I think we were the first ones to be authentic to the story. It has continuing life because it was such a well-written book by Lucy Maud Montgomery. We were working with material that has stood the test of time," says Megan about the popular series. Her role as Anne earned her a Gemini in 1987, followed by a Gemini in 1988 for Anne of Avonlea. The Canadian actress never imagined the success the series would have. "At the time I was thinking about just doing a good job inhabiting the character and brining her to life," explains Megan. She now stars alongside fellow Green Gables cast member, Patricia Hamilton in The Penelopiad. "She's a pro and a trouper; a staple of Canadian theatre. It's wonderful to be working with her again," says Megan.

Being a part of The Penelopiad is an opportunity Megan Follows couldn't be more thrilled about, especially because it gives her the chance to be involved in a production based on a book by one of Canada's most praised authors and an internationally recognized novelist, poet, literary critic, feminist and political activist. "It's very exciting and it's big shoes to fill. I think it's a fantastic take on something so time-precious. It's the story of The Odyssey, our perspective of it, and the influence that it's had. I think it was brilliant for Margaret Atwood to look at it from another perspective and different point of view," shares Megan. Playing the role of Penelope has also proven to be a great experience for her. "Penelope is defined by certain things- her faithfulness to her husband, her cleverness, skilled manipulation, everything to protect her husband. She's a lot of fun to play". Megan hopes the audience will enjoy the production as much as she is enjoying being a part of it. "First and foremost, I hope they have a good time because it's extremely humorous, among other things. I also think it's a great shift in perspective," she says.

Splitting her time between Toronto and Los Angeles, Megan Follows has a busy schedule. She recently finished a mini series, World Without End, which was shot in Hungary before coming to Toronto to start rehearsals for The Penelopiad. Her future plans include starring in what is the most important role of her life, being a mother. "I want to spend some time with my son. It's his last year of high school before he goes off to university so I want to be at home for a bit," says Megan.

Source: CorriereTandem.com