Gottsunda brings theater magic to life in 'Monster och gudar'

Uppsala City Theatre's "Monster och gudar" offers a vibrant interpretation of ancient Greek myths, suitable for audiences aged five and up. The production, part of the "Odyssey" summer season, features cyclops, Zeus, and Apollo in a tent setting in Gottsunda. The play freely adapts various myths, including those of Prometheus and Icarus, focusing on the comedic and dramatic elements. Valerie Kyeyune Backström of DN highlights the engaging portrayal of characters and the blend of humor and drama as key strengths. The performance runs for one hour.

The play depicts a self-absorbed and volatile adult world, with Victor Ström delivering a standout performance as the egocentric Zeus. His temper and outbursts constantly threaten the harmony of Mount Olympus. Other parental figures in the production also exhibit touchiness, with anger simmering beneath the surface. Willma Idris skillfully portrays a new mother preoccupied with her husband, while the inventor Daidalos, played by Ström, and his son Icarus, portrayed by Emily Jankkila, show tenderness and genuine interest. However, the narrative falters slightly in its loose framing and free treatment of mythology, making Zeus's punishment of Prometheus for giving fire to humans more amusing than impactful, especially with the recurring eagle hand puppet.

Despite minor narrative looseness, the production generally succeeds. Perseus is reimagined as a moody emo character with dreams of grandeur, played by Harry Friedländer. Scenes are typically short and action-packed. When the longer narrative of Perseus's hunt for Medusa slows, it is paused for a humorous interlude. A musical competition between Pan (Idris) and Apollo (Jankkila), with Zeus as host and a stiff King Midas as judge, adds to the comedic elements that are the production's main draw.