The oldest stories on earth are still asking us the hardest questions

Stories from ancient Greece are having a moment in Boston theater and the ways they are being told may surprise you.

In this episode of Scene in Boston, hosts Laura Amico and Lisa Thalhamer explore a surge of productions inspired by Greek mythology and classical drama appearing across the city this season. Through conversations with two leading directors, the episode examines how these centuries-old stories continue to speak powerfully to contemporary audiences.

Listen above, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Christine Hamel, director of Boston University's upcoming production of Medea, discusses how Greek tragedy connects personal stories to larger historical and political crises — themes that feel especially urgent today. Her production highlights questions of xenophobia, belonging, and societal responsibility, revealing how ancient texts mirror modern American debates.

The episode also features Courtney O'Connor, producing artistic director at Lyric Stage, whose production of Penelope reimagines The Odyssey through the voice of Odysseus's long-waiting wife. Blending live music, intimate staging, and contemporary storytelling, the show transforms an epic tale into a deeply personal exploration of love, patience, and resilience.

Together, these conversations reveal why Greek theater remains accessible, emotionally immediate, and surprisingly welcoming — even for audiences who may feel intimidated by classical titles.

The hosts also highlight upcoming shows across Boston and invite listeners to engage with the city's thriving theater community.

Mentioned in this episode are:

Featured in interviews

• Penelope — Lyric Stage Company of Boston A modern musical retelling of The Odyssey from Penelope's perspective Running Feb 6 – Mar 1, 2026 at Lyric Stage Boston.
• Medea — Boston University School of Theatre Euripides tragedy directed by Christine Hamill Running Apr 9 – Apr 12, 2026 at BU's Studio ONE.

Greek-inspired plays discussed

• The Oresteia — Boston University School of Theatre Adaptation of Aeschylus's epic trilogy Running Apr 17 – Apr 26, 2026 as part of BU's season.
• Hadestown — Touring/Broadway in Boston (Emerson Colonial Theatre) Modern mythic musical inspired by Orpheus and Eurydice Showing Feb 26 – Mar 1, 2026 in Boston.
• Oedipus El Rey — Huntington Theatre Company Luis Alfaro's reimagining of Oedipus Rex Running May 7 – Jun 7, 2026 at Huntington.

Other highlights

• We Had a World — Huntington Theatre Company New play by Joshua Harmon Running Feb 12 – Mar 15, 2026 at Huntington.
• Kinky Boots — Broadway in Boston (Citizens Bank Opera House) Tony-winning musical Running Feb 17 – Feb 22, 2026 in Boston
• Gem of the Ocean — Actor's Shakespeare Project August Wilson's epic drama exploring history, memory, and spiritual reckoning Running April 24 – May 17, 2026
• Swept Away — SpeakEasy Stage Company Folk musical featuring the music of The Avett Brothers Running May 8 – June 7, 2026
• Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous — Lyric Stage Company of Boston Pearl Cleage's comedy about art, activism, and intergenerational mentorship Running March 27 – April 26, 2026
• Something Rotten! — Lyric Stage Company of Boston A musical comedy about playwrights competing with Shakespeare Running May 29 – June 28, 2026