When Love Becomes a Curse: The Haunting World of Phèdre
Friday, November 6, 2026
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| Phède photography by Christine Mitchell |
UW Drama’s production of Phèdre
Written by Jean Racine,
Translated by Ted Hughes
Directed by UW Drama MFA student Sebastián Bravo Montenegro
Thu, Nov 5 - Sun, Nov 15 2026
Parking Garage under Red Square
Purchase tickets here $10 - $23
Theatre review by Kindle Carpp
Jean Racine's Phèdre is a classic five-act French tragedy, first performed in Paris in 1677. Rooted in Greek mythology, the play follows Phèdre, the wife of Theseus, who is consumed by an illicit passion she believes is the result of a divine curse. The object of her desire is her stepson, Hippolytus, who secretly loves Aricia, a young woman imprisoned by Theseus.
Olivia Hyzy as Phèdre delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman caught between overwhelming desire and devastating self-awareness. Her monologue about her love for Hippolytus is powerful and desperate, exposing the emotional turmoil beneath Phèdre's carefully maintained composure. When she finally attempts to confess her feelings to Hippolytus, the encounter becomes aggressive, uncomfortable, and painfully raw. Hyzy captures the character's self-loathing and desperation with an intensity that makes Phèdre's eventual downfall all the more heartbreaking.
Alessandro J. Lopez portrays Hippolytus with a rigid, unyielding disposition that makes his character's rejection of Phèdre particularly striking. Lopez gives Hippolytus a sense of moral certainty that leaves little room for compromise, making his inability to navigate the emotional complexities surrounding him all the more tragic. His unwavering convictions also make the character's eventual fate particularly poignant.
Richie Villafuerte brings an intriguing presence to Theseus. His portrayal carries the weight of someone who has survived something extraordinary, something he cannot quite put into words. There is an underlying sense of history and authority to his performance that makes Theseus's return feel like a genuine disruption to the already fragile circumstances surrounding the other characters.
YJ Yau as Oenone gives a convincing performance as the devoted nurse whose desperate attempts to protect Phèdre ultimately contribute to the unfolding catastrophe. Yau makes Oenone's scheming and
manipulation believable, allowing the character's misguided loyalty to drive the tragedy forward.
Zoë Carr brings a magnetic quality to Aricia, particularly in moments of despair. Even within the constraints of her character's circumstances, Carr gives Aricia a quiet emotional presence that makes her predicament compelling.
Valerie Ryan Miller as Ismene provides a charming change of pace. Her reaction to Hippolytus's confession of love is particularly delightful, with a quiet enthusiasm that feels almost as though she's watching a romantic comedy unfold right in front of her.
Phèdre is an impressive production that brings together ambitious design, atmospheric storytelling, and a talented ensemble. The creative team's approach gives this centuries-old tragedy a striking visual identity while allowing Racine's emotionally charged story to remain at the center. It is a production that demonstrates just how engaging classical theater can be when thoughtful design and committed performances come together.
When word arrives that Theseus is dead, Phèdre's nurse and confidante, Oenone, persuades her to confess her feelings to Hippolytus. He rejects her in horror, leaving Phèdre overwhelmed by shame and desperation, just as Theseus unexpectedly returns alive.
As in any good Greek tragedy, almost everyone dies, although Hippolytus gets the particularly unfortunate distinction of being taken out by a sea monster. If you're keeping count, three major characters meet their demise, while one presumed-dead character turns out to be very much alive.
The creative team absolutely knocks it out of the park with this production. From the monumental set to the atmospheric soundscape, striking costumes, and expressive lighting, every design element contributes to an immersive theatrical experience.
Upon entering the theater, audiences are greeted by a monolithic set that is genuinely breathtaking. It is easily one of the most impressive theatrical environments I've encountered. The design brings to mind eco-brutalism, an architectural aesthetic that combines the raw, monumental qualities of mid-century Brutalism with organic and natural elements.
Beyond the impressive production design, the performances are equally rewarding.
As in any good Greek tragedy, almost everyone dies, although Hippolytus gets the particularly unfortunate distinction of being taken out by a sea monster. If you're keeping count, three major characters meet their demise, while one presumed-dead character turns out to be very much alive.
If you occasionally find yourself surprised by all the twists and turns, you're certainly not alone. There's something deliciously dramatic about watching one desperate decision after another spiral into catastrophe.
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| Photography by Christine Mitchell |
The creative team absolutely knocks it out of the park with this production. From the monumental set to the atmospheric soundscape, striking costumes, and expressive lighting, every design element contributes to an immersive theatrical experience.
Upon entering the theater, audiences are greeted by a monolithic set that is genuinely breathtaking. It is easily one of the most impressive theatrical environments I've encountered. The design brings to mind eco-brutalism, an architectural aesthetic that combines the raw, monumental qualities of mid-century Brutalism with organic and natural elements.
Massive concrete textures and imposing geometric forms contrast with what appear to be natural stone formations and greenery, creating an environment that feels simultaneously industrial and elemental. The result is a striking visual landscape.
The sound design is equally evocative, although calling it simply music doesn't quite do it justice. Rather than functioning as a conventional soundtrack, the audio pulses and thrums while whispers echo throughout the performance. It feels less like music accompanying the action and more like an emotional atmosphere surrounding it.
The sound design is equally evocative, although calling it simply music doesn't quite do it justice. Rather than functioning as a conventional soundtrack, the audio pulses and thrums while whispers echo throughout the performance. It feels less like music accompanying the action and more like an emotional atmosphere surrounding it.
If emotions had a sound, this might be what they would sound like. It is an immersive auditory experience that subtly heightens the tension and draws the audience further into the world of the play.
The costumes provide an interesting contrast to the monumental surroundings, blending contemporary silhouettes with distinctive details. The female characters wear a range of fitted and flowing maxi dresses, accented by draped fabrics, headscarves, an asymmetrical one-shoulder cape, and a cowl neckline that falls elegantly across the shoulder. One particularly memorable detail is the stylized shackles incorporated into Aricia's costume, a clever visual reminder of her captivity.
The male characters take on a more tactical aesthetic, with ripstop trousers, tactical vests, leg harnesses, leather bracers, and shoulder armor. These pieces are balanced with flowing outer garments and military-style jackets, creating an interesting combination of contemporary military influence and classical theatrical styling.
Hippolytus stands apart with a distinctive flowing, open-backed top that gives his character a visual identity of his own.
The lighting design deserves its own appreciation. Naturalistic transitions evoke the changing colors of sunrise and sunset, while the dramatic use of backlighting creates some particularly beautiful moments. As characters transition toward the afterlife, the lighting becomes especially effective, giving these moments a striking visual quality without overwhelming the action.
 |
| Photography by Christine Mitchell |
The costumes provide an interesting contrast to the monumental surroundings, blending contemporary silhouettes with distinctive details. The female characters wear a range of fitted and flowing maxi dresses, accented by draped fabrics, headscarves, an asymmetrical one-shoulder cape, and a cowl neckline that falls elegantly across the shoulder. One particularly memorable detail is the stylized shackles incorporated into Aricia's costume, a clever visual reminder of her captivity.
The male characters take on a more tactical aesthetic, with ripstop trousers, tactical vests, leg harnesses, leather bracers, and shoulder armor. These pieces are balanced with flowing outer garments and military-style jackets, creating an interesting combination of contemporary military influence and classical theatrical styling.
Hippolytus stands apart with a distinctive flowing, open-backed top that gives his character a visual identity of his own.
The lighting design deserves its own appreciation. Naturalistic transitions evoke the changing colors of sunrise and sunset, while the dramatic use of backlighting creates some particularly beautiful moments. As characters transition toward the afterlife, the lighting becomes especially effective, giving these moments a striking visual quality without overwhelming the action.
The casting is exceptionally well suited to the material, and the entire ensemble demonstrates a level of polish and professionalism that makes it easy to forget this is a student production. The performers work together to create a cohesive production, each bringing something distinctive to the characters and the unfolding tragedy.
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| Olivia Hyzy as Phèdre and YJ Yau as Oenone Photography by Christine Mitchell |
Olivia Hyzy as Phèdre delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman caught between overwhelming desire and devastating self-awareness. Her monologue about her love for Hippolytus is powerful and desperate, exposing the emotional turmoil beneath Phèdre's carefully maintained composure. When she finally attempts to confess her feelings to Hippolytus, the encounter becomes aggressive, uncomfortable, and painfully raw. Hyzy captures the character's self-loathing and desperation with an intensity that makes Phèdre's eventual downfall all the more heartbreaking.
Alessandro J. Lopez portrays Hippolytus with a rigid, unyielding disposition that makes his character's rejection of Phèdre particularly striking. Lopez gives Hippolytus a sense of moral certainty that leaves little room for compromise, making his inability to navigate the emotional complexities surrounding him all the more tragic. His unwavering convictions also make the character's eventual fate particularly poignant.
Richie Villafuerte brings an intriguing presence to Theseus. His portrayal carries the weight of someone who has survived something extraordinary, something he cannot quite put into words. There is an underlying sense of history and authority to his performance that makes Theseus's return feel like a genuine disruption to the already fragile circumstances surrounding the other characters.
YJ Yau as Oenone gives a convincing performance as the devoted nurse whose desperate attempts to protect Phèdre ultimately contribute to the unfolding catastrophe. Yau makes Oenone's scheming and
manipulation believable, allowing the character's misguided loyalty to drive the tragedy forward.
Zoë Carr brings a magnetic quality to Aricia, particularly in moments of despair. Even within the constraints of her character's circumstances, Carr gives Aricia a quiet emotional presence that makes her predicament compelling.
Valerie Ryan Miller as Ismene provides a charming change of pace. Her reaction to Hippolytus's confession of love is particularly delightful, with a quiet enthusiasm that feels almost as though she's watching a romantic comedy unfold right in front of her.
Phèdre is an impressive production that brings together ambitious design, atmospheric storytelling, and a talented ensemble. The creative team's approach gives this centuries-old tragedy a striking visual identity while allowing Racine's emotionally charged story to remain at the center. It is a production that demonstrates just how engaging classical theater can be when thoughtful design and committed performances come together.
Love may be eternal, but in Phèdre, it certainly doesn't come with a happy ending.
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