A Stage Odyssey with Streaming Vibes
It’s always an inspired choice when a playwright blends historical events with literary classics. In The Janeiad, playwright Anna Ziegler intertwines the legacy of 9/11 with Homer’s Odyssey, creating a play that’s equal parts surreal and poignant.
Set in September 2000, Jane (Michaela Watkins), a mother and wife in Brooklyn, is navigating the quiet chaos of family life. One morning, after tending to her husband and sons, Jane receives a disquieting phone call from her husband, Gabe (Ryan Vasquez), who’s distressed. Something is wrong, and the eerie atmosphere is underscored punctually by Melanie Chen Cole’s immersive sound design.
That night, Jane dreams of Penelope (Nadine Malouf), who appears from the pages of The Odyssey to assure her: things are not okay… but they will be. No one believes Jane’s experience — until something finally happens, two decades later.
A Blend of Humor, Grief, and Myth
Ziegler’s script is playful, funny, and lightly sarcastic, weaving emotional weight into a surreal narrative. Tim Mackabee’s set design feels authentically Brooklyn: compact, lived-in, and layered with subtle Greek visual motifs, including intricate fretwork.
Standout Performances
Nadine Malouf shines in her portrayal of Penelope, giving the role sharpness and flair. Her transitions into other characters are complete with shifting accents and posture. One particularly tender moment—Penelope brushing Jane’s hair—beautifully blends storytelling with theatrical gesture under Maggie Burrows’ direction.
Costume designer David I. Reynoso keeps Jane and Gabe’s outfits grounded in realism. In contrast, Penelope’s layered costume (a sleeveless pleather top, long skirt, and gauzy shawl) allows for symbolic play. These small creative touches go a long way in transporting the audience between reality and myth.
Screen or Stage?
While deeply engaging, The Janeiad sometimes feels more like an episode of a limited series than a theatrical production. The one-act format is appreciated, but the piece could benefit from pacing adjustments or scene transitions that make stronger use of theatrical space and time.
Final Thoughts
At its core, The Janeiad is a meditation on grief, womanhood, aging, and the invisible weight of time. Michaela Watkins delivers a nuanced portrayal of Jane—a character caught between memory and myth—while Ryan Vasquez adds warmth and depth as Gabe.
The Janeiad still has a few performances left at The Old Globe.
Production Stage Manager: Marie Jahelka. Stage Management Swings: Katie Davis, Nicholas Lambros Smith
