Athena

Writers Theatre's Athena is a perceptive play about two teen high-schoolers fencers' training for the Nationals. Written by Gracie Gardner and directed by Jessica Fisch, Athena brings the audience into the private lives of these two high-flying go-getters, who forge an alliance solely based on pushing each other to be the best. Having the persona of mystery, Athena, her stage name, practices with Mary Wallace, who is evenly matched with Athena; however, these highly competitive ladies are also battling to figure out adolescence and the secrets of fitting into a world outside of fencing.  

As they parry on the platform that looks like a moving airport escalator, with the audience seated on opposite sides of the stage, the two girls try to one-up each other, talking about themselves. With one wanting to fit in and the other seeking to stand out, their competitive natures make them quick-tempered teens seeking acceptance and anxious to blend in.  

Athena lives in an apartment with her father and tells Mary Wallace that her mother left them and she hasn't spoken to her since. Mary Wallace, who wants to major in marine biology, parents are stringent and only allow her time to study, practice, and return home. From the tribulations of their family relationship, Athena and Mary Wallace form a bond and even manage to go out to a club. But when Mary Wallace has too much to drink, she winds up in the hospital, where Athena has to inform her brother she was there but lies, telling him it was from food poisoning.  

Mary Tilden (Athena) and Aja Singletary (Mary Wallace) spearhead this 80-minute performance where two aloof teens discuss desires and fears. Both are fine in their performance, and their sarcastic and witty dialogue is entertaining. Still, most of the time, their conversations feel awkward and tedious and don't allow you to connect with the characters, causing you to drift off and fail to keep your interest. 

Unfortunately, there is no intriguing storyline to follow, and most of the fencing done in full attire doesn't add much substance to the story. And with no in-depth focus on why the girls are struggling through adolescence, these two girls' lives are nothing more than your ordinary juvenile growing pains. 

During their sparring, Mary Wallace's fears of them having to compete against each other come to fruition, and they are both battling to make it to the finals, with one ending their dreams of making it to Nationals.  

Let's Play Theatrical Review Somewhat Recommends Athena at Writers Theatre. 

Writers Theatre

Athena

Written by Gracie Gardner

Directed by Jessica Fisch

May 5-July 10, 2022