Polyphemus
Polyphemus is the Cyclops (a one-eyed large, hulking humanoid) from The Odyssey. He is the offspring of Poseidon and lives on an island with other cyclops where food and agriculture grow on their own. He is a shepherd who lives in a cave with his sheep and favorite ram. When Odysseus and his men accidentally get trapped inside his cave, Polyphemus decides they would make good food, and gobbles up men by the handful for every meal. In an attempt to escape, clever Odysseus pokes Polyphemus’ eye out and tells him his name is Noman. When Polyphemus howls for his Cyclops friends to help because “Noman” has poked his eye out, they laugh and dismiss him. With Polyphemus blind, Odyesseus the few men he has left, are eventually able to escape by cleverly holding onto the belly of Polyphemus’ flock when he lets them out to pasture the following morning.
Of his play about Polyphemus, Vince Faso writes, “Haven’t you ever wondered about what happens to the villain from your favorite story after the “happily ever after?” If they survived the hero’s “heroics,” chances are they aren’t going to have a miraculous change of heart, find Jesus, and turn “good.” What would happen if, many years later, “hero” and “villain” meet again? Is there room for forgiveness, or just dessert?”
POLYPHEMUS by Vince Faso
Directed by Rory Strahan-Mauk
Staged Reading November 13, 2014
Vonn Scott Bair (Polyphemus)
Patrick Barresi (Cyclops Man)
Mary Cait Hogan (Cyclops Woman)
Carl Lucania (Zeus)
Sunil Patel (Sailor Man)
Danielle Perata (Athena)
Leer Relleum (Odysseus)
Samantha Schmitt (Hermes)
Maggie Ziomek (Sailor Woman)
Vince Faso has enjoyed his time delving into the endless world of mythology. Around the Bay he has worked with companies such as Diablo Actor’s Ensemble, CalShakes, SF Theater Pub, Performers Under Stress, Actor’s Ensemble of Berkeley and is a founding member of the SF-based comedy improv team, Chinese Ballroom. A drama teacher in Oakland for nearly a decade, his sense of humor and writing style have been profoundly influenced by his experiences with the most awkward, terrifying, and inspirational group of humans on the planet; middle schoolers.
The image of Polyphemus was created by Tonya Narvaez!
Additionally, there is a special painting of Polyphemus created by Maxon Crumb on display at the SF Olympians Art Show!