Exploring Dionysus: The Bacchae and The Frogs Come to Life at The Lantern
In the spring of 2025, The Lantern is excited to share two unforgettable adaptations that bring one of mythology's most intriguing figures—Dionysus—to the forefront. Jack Hewitt's take on The Bacchae and The Frogs invites audiences into two very different worlds, each revealing a distinct side of the god of wine, theatre, and chaos. The Bacchae sees Dionysus as a dark, vengeful figure, while in The Frogs, he's a somewhat clueless adventurer navigating the Underworld on a mission to rescue theatre itself.
In The Bacchae, Euripides delves deep into the consequences of denying divine forces. Dionysus arrives in Thebes with a purpose: to claim his place as a god. The young ruler, Pentheus, firmly resists the influence that Dionysus has over his people. But is it truly wise to challenge the gods? The clash between Pentheus' rigid authority and Dionysus' wild power pushes Thebes to a fragile tipping point, leading to fierce and heart-wrenching outcomes. The Bacchae draws us into that tension between order and surrender, leaving us to ponder just how much we control and are at the mercy of forces far beyond us.
Switch gears to The Frogs, and Dionysus becomes a bit more...relatable. Aristophanes paints him as a comedic, almost bumbling character who, despite being a god, isn't above asking silly questions and getting easily spooked. This time, he's set on a mission to rescue Athenian theatre by bringing back one of the great playwrights from the dead. The Underworld is just as lively as you might imagine, with its legendary figures and a memorable chorus of frogs that delight in tormenting poor Dionysus with their incessant croaking. Along the way, he meets the deceased playwrights Euripides and Aeschylus, who argue (as playwrights do) about whose work is more worthy. Of course, it's all in good fun, and Aristophanes uses the humour to take sharp digs at art, politics, and society. The Frogs is a delightful reminder of the power of theatre to spark thought—and a laugh or two along the way.
Together, these two plays offer a unique opportunity to explore Dionysus's multifaceted nature. The Bacchae and The Frogs present two very different views of the same character. These plays show him as a feared god and a comedic figure, highlighting his complex nature. This double feature offers a unique chance to explore deep and foolish themes in one night, making it very engaging.
We can't wait to share these stories with our audience and bring the timeless wit, drama, and depth of Greek theatre to the stage. Even more exciting, we're looking for a cast to come along with us on this journey with Dionysus, from the shadows of Thebes to the comedic chaos of the Underworld.
We're thrilled to announce open auditions for The Bacchae and The Frogs, where one talented cast will take on both plays in a single, dynamic performance. This unique opportunity means diving into both the dark world of tragedy and the light-hearted realm of comedy—all in one production. We're also looking for ensemble members to bring the Greek chorus to life, with roles incorporating movement and song.
If you're ready to explore the many sides of Dionysus and be part of this exciting double feature, sign up for a November audition slot today. This is your chance to take on an unforgettable role—or two!—and join The Lantern in creating an extraordinary night of theatre.
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