The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Theatre program’s recent production of “Big Love,” by Charles Mee, delivered a bold and modern twist on Aeschylus’ ancient Greek play “The Suppliants.” Set in a luxurious Italian villa, the show follows fifty brides fleeing arranged marriages to their fifty cousins. It explores love, power and freedom while blending humor with serious themes like gender politics, domestic violence and emotional turmoil.
The production reimagined the original tragedy for today’s world with wit and creativity. The grooms’ dramatic entrance by helicopter, paired with references to modern music and fashion, gave the show a fresh and playful edge. These moments of absurdity added humor and energy to a story rooted in struggle and resistance.
At the center of the play were three brides: Thyona, Olympia and Lydia. Thyona, portrayed with fiery conviction by Catherine Zaunbrecher, junior acting major, represented the angry feminist archetype, determined to fight against a world dominated by misogyny. Olympia, played by sophomore acting major Kaileigh O’Gwynn, in contrast, was the idealistic romantic who longed for love and care, serving as a foil to Thyona’s rage.
Lydia, played by junior acting major Alana Cutno, stood between them, torn between independence and affection, reflecting the complexities of love and identity.
Their conflicting views on love and marriage raised timeless questions. Is marriage truly about love, or is it a social transaction built on expectation and control? Each character embodied a different answer, shaped by experience and fear.
The contrast between Thyona’s distrust of men and Olympia’s longing for them offered a sharp commentary on gender roles and the pressures women face.
The set design gave the production an ethereal, timeless feel, with Greek-inspired columns, winding vines and a grand bathtub at center stage.
The lighting added emotional depth, especially during the climax when the stage turned red as the sisters, desperate for justice, murdered their husbands. The dramatic shift in color created a haunting, unsettling atmosphere that mirrored their rage and inner conflict.
Despite its heavy themes, the show was punctuated with humor that kept it accessible and engaging. The helicopter entrance drew laughter, while the brides’ exaggerated gestures and banter added comic relief. These lighter moments balanced the intensity of the story and highlighted how easily comedy and tragedy coexist in human relationships.
The performances were consistently strong and deeply emotional. Constantine, the misogynistic groom played by junior acting major Nicholas Mackowiak, delivered a chilling and controlled performance that commanded attention, while Oed’s, played by senior acting major Tucker Dufrene, foolish antics brought laughter to the crowd.
The actresses playing Thyona and Olympia stood out for their conviction and emotional depth, and their chemistry with Lydia made the sisters’ bond believable and moving.
UL Lafayette’s “Big Love” was a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience. It succeeded not only in engaging the audience with its bold and modern take on a classic story, but also in sparking deeper conversations about the complexities of love, freedom and gender.
The show’s ability to weave humor and tragedy together in such a seamless way is a testament to the strength of both the script and the talented cast. “Big Love” was a must-see production that left audiences reflecting long after the curtain fell.