One of my all time favorite presentations, in the 7 years I have been attending Alberta Theatre Projects, was The Syringa Tree; the incredible story of one girls life growing up in Apartheid Africa, told in many characters by Meg Roe, has stuck with me to this day.

So seeing her name on the marquee as the star of The Penelopiad, running until October 9th, was more enough reason for me to see it. Upon arriving at the theatre and opening the program, I see names like Elinor Holt, Denise Clark, Kathryn Kerbes, and Jamie Konchak, among others. Anyone who attends theatre regularly in Calgary will know these faces, if not the names, and realize that this show features many of Calgary's finest female performers all in one show. So my expectations were even higher.

Written by Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad is the story of The Odyssey in which Odysseus goes off to fight in the Trojan War – a war over Helen, the most beautiful woman in the land – leaving his wife Penelope behind. The story is told from Penelope's perspective as she tries to run a kingdom and fend off suitors in the 20 years before he returns home.

Roe, as Penelope, is stunning and adds so much emotional depth to the character that it takes your breath away at times. The rest of the cast play multiple characters – Odysseus (Jamie Konchak), the suitors, and others, often switching genders of their characters effortlessly. I have many times touted how incredibly lucky Calgary is to have such a diverse offering of exceedingly talented actors in this city, and this show is a prime example.

Both a comedy and a tragedy, The Penelopiad is truly remarkable theatre. Roe and the cast received a much-deserved standing ovation at the end of opening night. This season marks the first that new Artistic Director, Vanessa Porteous (who also directed the show), has programmed. If The Penelopaid is any indication, then ATP made the right choice for their new Artistic Director, and Calgary is in for some remarkable theatre under her leadership.