Supposing: Review Finds Ancient Greek Rage Relevant

Zinnie Harris's minimalist drama "Supposing:" at Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh offers a modern interpretation of ancient Greek tragedy, exploring contemporary anxieties through the story of a secular woman who experiences visions of the future. The play, written and directed by Harris, is staged with extreme simplicity, utilizing a white-edged circle on an otherwise empty stage to define the dramatic space and the relationships between the characters. This minimalist approach contrasts with more bombastic interpretations of Greek drama, such as Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey."

The central character, Sally, portrayed by Nicole Cooper, is a modern, secular woman who does not believe in gods but relies on concrete facts. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she begins to experience visions, leading her to believe she has been cursed. She confides in her husband, Richard, played by Richard Conlon, who reacts with a range of emotions from disbelief to shock. The dynamic between Sally and Richard is central to the play, as they orbit each other, drawn together by her revelation but often repelled by its implications. The play questions whether Sally is experiencing a mental breakdown or if her curse genuinely grants her prophetic abilities, and what the ethical and practical implications are of possessing such foresight.

Both Cooper and Conlon are lauded for their performances, effectively conveying the complex push-and-pull of their characters' relationship. The play's setting, a stark circle on the floor, serves as a versatile symbol. It can represent a mundane urban hazard, like a hole in the street, or the intimate domestic space of a kitchen where Sally first voices her fears. This ambiguity underscores the play's exploration of how profound, even supernatural, experiences can intrude upon ordinary life. "Supposing:" engages with timeless themes of fate, free will, and the human response to the unknown, filtering them through the lens of ancient Greek rage and applying them to the exasperating conditions of contemporary times. The production's sparseness forces the audience to focus on the psychological and emotional core of the narrative, making the ancient themes resonate with modern sensibilities.