THEATER REVIEW (Photo by Mark Norris, The Daily Campus)

The SMU Division of Theatre premiered “The Greeks” Wednesday night to an anxious audience in the Margo Jones Theatre.

Written by John Barton and Kenneth Cavendar in 1978, “The Greeks” is a series of 10 short plays based on the classic greek dramas written by Euripides, Aeschylus and an adaptation of Homer’s “The Iliad.”

The SMU production of “The Greeks” features three stories, “Hecuba,” “Agamemnon” and “Electra,” which each combine to tell the story of the repercussions of the Trojan War and the subsequent betrayals that ultimately led to the destruction of both sides.

The show opens with an adaptation of “Hecuba,” written by Euripides. “Hecuba” tells the tale of a woman’s grief ultimately leading to her inner destruction. While mourning the death of her daughter, Polyxena, Hecuba discovers that her son too has been murdered by Polymestor, a friend. Driven by sadness and a thirst for revenge, Hecuba murders Polymestors young son.

Hecuba, portrayed by Kate Cook, captivated the audience in every scene with her impressive portrayal of human grief and thirst for vengeance. Clarence Gilyard also stole the show as he accurately portrayed Polymestor as he stumbled about the ground after his eyes had been gouged out.

The second play in the series is “Agamemnon,” written by Aeschylus. “Agamemnon” tells the tale of the King’s return to Greece after the capture of Troy. Along with him he brings Cassandra, a woman whom he has been romantically involved with much to the dismay of his wife, Clytemnestra. Driven by hatred and embarrassment for bringing Cassandra back with him, Clytemnestra brutally murders them.

Timothy Pyles, playing Agamemnon, startled the audience with his blood-covered entrance and subsequent death while Kaytie Morris, playing Clytemnestra, held the audiences attention with her vengeful dialogue and murderous behavior.

The last of the series was “Electra,” written by Sophocles. “Electra” shows the aftermath of Agamemon’s death as Clytemnestra’s daughter tries to devise a plan to ruin her mother and rightfully pay tribute to her diseased father. After her brother Orestes returns after believed dead, the two put an end to her mother’s reign, murdering her and her lover Aegisthus. Electra, played by Kate Costello, impressively portrayed the alienated Electra, while Chris Domig portrayed Orestes.

“The Greeks” will run through March 5 in the Margo Jones Theatre.