By Margaret Atwood
Directed by Susan V. Booth

 

“Just about perfect.”
– Chicago Reader

March 2 – March 31, 2024 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission

The Penelopiad

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

Recommended for ages 14+

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.

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.

 

THIS PRODUCTION HAS NOW CLOSED