On Sunday afternoon I went to the Source for ancient Mesopotamian myths. "Gilgamesh, Who Saw the Deep" retells some of the tales of that ancient warrior-king and his dealings with gods and men.
The production, by Steven Spotswood in conjunction with the Mobtown Players, uses very simple technique & costumes to create an atmosphere of the world's early days and people dealing directly with their gods. The set is mainly two large scrims, onto which hidden actors cast their shadows to represent the gods. A few movable boxes serve as props for the people in the foreground.
The overall tone of these stories is solemn, even melancholy. The gods are not merciful--they only toy with men, and send death to quiet our incessant noise, which disturbs their sleep. Chillingly, our understanding of the "hush" sound, as an admonition to be quiet, is explained as a memory and a premonition of mortality.
The tales end, of course, with Gilgamesh's death, but the people will continue to tell his story ever after. This particular retelling is very moving, even in today's world that is so different. I think there will always be a place for tales that are primal and mythic.
"Gilgamesh", at the Source Theatre, repeats Thursday the 24th at 10:00 p.m., and Saturday the 26th at 7:00.
To see more images from this production, go here.
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