PRIME NUMBERS is based on Gianni Skaragas’ novel of the same name. It is a psychological thriller that treats the themes of sin and guilt, revenge and retribution, love and betrayal through the relationships of six characters trapped in a motel, in Tijuana, Mexico, during a supposed hurricane. It is a play of recovered humanity, transcending tragedy and evoking redemptive triumph. Through allegory and symbols, the writer makes an astute observation on contemporary politics and the psychological and emotional conundrum of today: are we allowed to forge our destiny at the expense of others?
Fotini Baxevani, a prominent actress and composer in Greece, has made her New York debut as the director of Gianni Skaragas’ original play. She has managed to successfully balance the complex psychological world of the characters with an economy in movement, striking stage images and clear character development. She brings visual, aural and performative elements together to create a wonderful theatrical experience. Under her guidance, the cast, with the aid of four chairs and only the essential stage properties, create characters that are defined in both their private moments as well as their relationships to one another.
Eddie, played by the energetic Stephen Lundberg, upsets life at the motel when he is carried there after an accident. As he strives to figure out his own past, he pushes each character to confront his or her own history. Given the identity of a writer he, and the audience with him, gradually becomes engulfed in this illusion. Tereza Grimani is the fiery yet fragile Julietta and is equally convincing as the innocent girl in the first part of the play and as the powerful vindictive force she becomes in the final scenes. Ceasar Nixon as Cain, the motel owner, portrays the contradiction of the quintessential giant with the soft, god-fearing heart. Oepidus, a modern version of the incestuous king and a mathematical genius who has destroyed his life on gambling, is treated by Andreas Tselepos as a defeated, weak man. Salvette, clad in a red dress and silky white robe, is excellent as Marguerite Gaultier, a has-been Las Vegas singer, reminiscent of the 50’s Hollywood starlets. Her voice is beautiful as she sings “Tonight I Said I love you” (original lyrics by Gianni Skaragas) especially written and composed for this play - a song you will be sure to sing on your way out of the theatre. Kalliope Koutelos is a rightfully angry Medea, voicing her criticism of the war on terror, as an Iraqi woman brought to the US by a marine she fell in love with and married.
Skaragas’ play is written with extraordinary literary elegance and the confessions of each character ingeniously delve deep into the human soul. Special kudos to Ellie Papageorgakopoulou for the creation of a beautifully simple, purposely non-descript set that could easily – and eerily - be the common room of a mental institution or any of the hidden corners of our mind. Similarly, the costumes are at once suggestive and casual. The lighting design by Orpheas Emirzas complements her set - the use of both stage lights and spotlights hung from the stage’s low ceiling, as well as the slide projection of abstract images on the walls during the scenes, delineate space and mood successfully.
As the actors turn on and off their own spotlights, pick up their few props from the wardrobe - set visibly on stage - and interact with the wall projections, they invite our imagination and let us rejoice in the possibilities of the theatrical experience. Baxevani has used the entire palette of the theatrical language and has brought us a performance that is rarely seen in the Greek American community, comparable to Off Broadway productions. This is a must see!
Cast: Tereza Grimani (Julietta), Stephen Lundberg (Eddie), Kalliope Koutelos (Medea), Caesar Nixon (Cain), Stacey Salvette (Marguerite) and Andreas Tselepos (Oedipus).
Crew: Giannis Skaragas- Playwright, Fotini Baxevani – Director, Ellie Papageorgakopoulou – Set/Costume Design, and Orpheas Emirzas – Lighting/Media Design.
