Amelia Bullmore prepares to star as Penelope in The Penelopiad
Amelia Bullmore, playing Penelope in York Theatre Royal’s The Penelopiad, offers a fresh take on the character, as portrayal aligns with contemporary storytelling, reports BritPanorama.
As Bullmore steps into the role of Odysseus’s wife, she brings to life a “patient, faithful” woman with depth and nuance. Her performance follows the release of Christopher Nolan’s recent film adaptation of the Odyssey, which starred Matt Damon and came with a stunning £250 million budget. Bullmore highlights that, while the film provides grand visuals, her portrayal will offer an intimate perspective, aiming to reshape how audiences perceive Penelope’s experiences during Odysseus’s long absence.
This interpretation of Atwood’s work stems from a novella penned in 2005, subsequently adapted into a play two years later. Atwood’s feminist revisionist approach allows Penelope to speak candidly about her experiences, something the original text limits. Bullmore notes that the narrative transforms from traditional storytelling into a personal account: “What actually happened to me went more like this…”.
In the play, the character communicates from Hades, unshackling herself from her traditional portrayals. Bullmore describes Penelope as clever and resourceful, using her wits to fend off unwanted suitors who swarm her home while Odysseus is away. This production intends to shift the narrative on Penelope, illustrating her agency rather than simply her loyalty.
While Bullmore prepares for the role, she also reflects on the interconnectedness of women’s experiences, especially through the lens of Penelope and her twelve enslaved maids. According to Homer, these characters faced dire consequences upon Odysseus’s return, yet in this new adaptation, Bullmore presents their responses as valuable contributions to the narrative, highlighting how they reclaim their voices within the story. “For the maids, it’s obviously much more dangerous and ends in disaster”, she adds.
The contrast between the privilege of Penelope and the lack of agency for her maids marks a significant theme in the play. Bullmore underscores that while Penelope navigates her life with some advantages due to her lineage, the maids shine through with their sharpness and humor, revealing deep societal truths and fragility within their shared experiences.
Bullmore’s career has been interwoven with themes of sisterhood and female strength, starting from her early acting days to her engaging work in writing. She recalls the influences in her life that sparked her creativity and passion for storytelling—a tradition she cherishes and continues to explore in her role as Penelope.
Having gained recognition for her diverse talents across various roles, including her impactful work in Scott & Bailey and Riot Women, she now aims to inspire others through her art. Bullmore has even noticed an uptick in women feeling empowered to embrace music and performance, spurred by her portrayal of strong female characters.
As Bullmore completes her preparations for The Penelopiad, she remains committed to her creative journey, confident that her portrayal of Penelope will resonate deeply with audiences. The production runs at the York Theatre Royal from 10-31 October.
