By Margaret Atwood
Directed by Susan V. Booth
“Just about perfect.”
– Chicago Reader
The Penelopiad
Mar 2 – 31, 2024 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission
An unexpected remix of Homer’s The Odyssey, told by the celebrated and subversive author Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale).
It’s her turn. Penelope has waited 20 years for her husband to return from the Trojan War. Now, as authorial control shifts to Odysseus’ long-suffering wife—and the 12 faithful maids who have long tended to her—we discover a new perspective on the domestic vigil. This ancient tale told anew by “one of the most admired authors in North America” (NPR) gives voice to those left behind.
“Artistic Director Susan V. Booth shapes a production of furious impact and impeccable ensemble work from the all-female, 13-strong cast.” – Chicago Sun-Times
The Penelopiad contains stylized depictions of sexual assault, death and war, and discussions of slavery and sex.
While she waits…and waits, Penelope gets a glimpse inside Odysseus’ journey. Watch this spirited scene from The Penelopiad and get tickets at to experience this ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 4) production – (Chicago Sun-Times).
The Penelopiad “makes you think, laugh and have a good time along the way.” Find out why audiences have been “blown away” by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth’s “stunning” Goodman Theatre directorial debut.
In The Penelopiad, “Artistic Director Susan V. Booth shapes a production of furious impact and impeccable ensemble work from the all-female, 13-strong cast.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
(L-R) Jennifer Morrison. Photo by Liz Lauren.
(L-R) Noelle Kayser, Allison Sill, Jennifer Morrison, Aja Alcazar and Laura Savage. Photo by Liz Lauren.
(L-R) Tyler Meredith, Helen Joo Lee, Amira Danan, Aja Alcazar, Elizabeth Laidlaw and Allison Sill. (In front) Jennifer Morrison. Photo by Liz Lauren.
(L-R) Andrea San Miguel, Noelle Kayser, Tyler Meredith, Allison Sill, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Maya Lou Hlava, Hannah Whitley, Amira Danan, Ericka Ratcliff, Aja Alcazar, Helen Joo Lee and Laura Savage. (In front, with back turned) Jennifer Morrison. Photo by Liz Lauren.
(L-R, in back) Laura Savage, Hannah Whitley, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Allison Sill, Aja Alcazar and Helen Joo Lee. (In front) Jennifer Morrison. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Choreographer JoAnn Hunter explores her collaboration with Susan V. Booth.
The all-female cast of The Penelopiad on what makes this play so special.
Artistic Director Susan V. Booth talks about her Goodman mainstage directorial debut play, The Penelopiad.
Critical Praise
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 4)
Daily Herald
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 4)
Chicago Sun-Times
“Morrison commands the stage”
Chicago Reader
“Strong singing and impassioned acting”
Chicago Tribune
“A beautifully staged, crafted and performed production”
WGN’s Behind the Curtain
“Booth certainly has pulled out all the epic stops with this show”
Chicago Tribune
Audience Reactions
“Utterly brilliant in every aspect. Terrific movement & stillness, amazing storytelling, great scenic & costume & lighting & sound design, and the acting…”
Magda K. via Facebook
“I though the writing, acting, costumes and staging were superb.”
Kathy A. via Email
“I saw this last week and was so impressed! The cast is amazing, the costuming is amazing, the set is amazing—I loved it all!”
@The_New_Lisa via Instagram
“This production is astonishing!”
Wendy R. via Email
“This was a truly stunning production.”
@annalee.ackermann via Instagram
“The amazing cast executed the choreography, singing and acting flawlessly. The production kept me engaged.”
Johnna P. K. via Facebook
Special events
Artists
FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SUSAN V. BOOTH
“When you think about stories of journeys, there is always someone left at home—and their story tends not to be told. I devoured Margaret Atwood’s funny, subversive novella on a plane ride, immediately struck by the paradigm shift of a story I thought I knew well. To my great delight, Margaret Atwood had already adapted the novella into a play. I’m imagining each night, as the 12 maids pull apart the threads of Penelope’s Scheherazade-worthy shroud, it’ll be a raucous moment of subversion. It makes my heart glad—and it just feels like an essential part of my first season leading this theater.” –SVB
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, March 29 at 7:30pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, March 30
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, March 30 at 7:30pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, March 31 at 2:00pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
The Rest of the 2023/2024 Season
Experience heart-pounding spectacle next door to a laugh-out-loud debutante ball. A fresh take on a centuries-old tale and a modern true story with a thrilling twist. From a hilarious new musical to a major revival, you’ll find familiar and new voices in Artistic Director Susan V. Booth’s first Goodman season—plays that celebrate the mess and magic of us all.
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