Metamorphoses: A Play

by Mary Zimmerman

Book Overview

Called by Time the "theater event of the year," Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses brings Ovid's tales to stunning visual life. Set in and around a large pool of water onstage, Metamorphoses juxtaposes the ancient and the contemporary in both language and image to reflect the variety and persistence of narrative in the face of inevitable change. Nominated for three 2002 Tony Awards, including "Best Play," Metamorphoses earned...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810119803
• ISBN13: 9780810119802
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Northwestern University Press
• Length: 100 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.2" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Loved it!

Like most of Mary Zimmerman's work, in this play, she strips Ovid's Metamorphoses to its timeless essence. It becomes multiple stories of people, gods, love, want, greed, jealousy in a simple set with a pool. I saw the play in Berkeley years ago and just read the play, and it's as wonderful now as it was when I saw it back in 2001.

Love of language

I am currently involved in this play with my local theatre, and when we first read through the script I was floored. As an actor of Shakespeare I fell in love instantly with the play and the language. Even though we cannot get every amazing visual down pat, the script gives so much to work with. I can't imagine reading this and never seeing it done. But even just to read is amazing.

I got a chance to perform in Metamorphoses at my university!

I was cast in this play and trust me when I say this is a great script. Not because of what it contains- but because of what it doesn't. Mary Zimmerman has left so much of her play open for interpretation, and we certainly took that to heart. The poetry of Ovid is mesmerizing, and David Slavitt's translation is a must read. But to truly understand the inspiration of this work, see this play and read this script with your mind open.

A Play for the Human Spirit

This is the play that should have won this year's Pulitzer, and if there's any justice, the Broadway production will take away a Tony. I can only imagine what this is like onstage, but even in script form it is a poetic, witty, and extremely moving experience. How Zimmerman managed to condense Ovid's sprawling work into this deft stage piece is a mystery, but she has constructed a fluid, fascinating play that transcends genres, race, religion, and politics to speak to the hopes and desires of all human beings. Like "Copenhagen" and "The Invention of Love", this is one of those plays that reminds me why I love live theater. There is hope after all! Buy it, read it, cherish it--and if you're lucky enough to be in New York, GO SEE IT!

The most amazing play ever to hit Broadway!

This play is AMAZING! I saw it twice and HAD to buy the script! WOW!!!! The pool might seem hokey, but it's used so beautifully. SEE THIS PLAY IF YOU CAN! You're truly missing out if you don't. The script has the right lines, but misses the subtlety and humor and beauty that the live production gives. SEE THE SHOW AND BUY THE SCRIPT! KEEP THIS SHOW OPEN!