Metamorphoses Play

Her raw materials are tomes from 9th century China, 12th century Persia, Renaissance Italy or even ancient Greece or Rome--daunting volumes of allegorical materials that have somehow withstood the journey across time. They're the kind of books on which cultures are founded, most frequently encountered in the Western world via torturous classical literature classes at respected universities.

"Metamorphoses," Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of stories by Ovid, won every honor for which it was nominated in the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, presented Monday evening at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Known for its onstage swimming pool as well as its ensemble performances and updated perspectives on the classic tales, "Metamorphoses" nabbed five awards--more than any other show. Among its wins was one of three "outstanding production" awards.

"Metamorphoses," Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of stories by Ovid, won every honor for which it was nominated in the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, presented Monday evening at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Known for its onstage swimming pool as well as its ensemble performances and updated perspectives on the classic tales, "Metamorphoses" nabbed five awards--more than any other show. Among its wins was one of three "outstanding production" awards.

The Mark Taper Forum is all wet these days, as the acclaimed production of "Metamorphoses" is set almost entirely in and around a swimming pool that takes up most of the stage. Actually, call it a wading pool. It's about 3 inches deep at the back, but it slopes down to a depth of about 18 inches at the side closest to the audience. Measuring about 22 feet by 19 feet, it holds about 2,000 gallons that are changed every two weeks.

The Mark Taper Forum is all wet these days, as the acclaimed production of "Metamorphoses" is set almost entirely in and around a swimming pool that takes up most of the stage. Actually, call it a wading pool. It's about 3 inches deep at the back, but it slopes down to a depth of about 18 inches at the side closest to the audience. Measuring about 22 feet by 19 feet, it holds about 2,000 gallons that are changed every two weeks.

Her raw materials are tomes from 9th century China, 12th century Persia, Renaissance Italy or even ancient Greece or Rome--daunting volumes of allegorical materials that have somehow withstood the journey across time. They're the kind of books on which cultures are founded, most frequently encountered in the Western world via torturous classical literature classes at respected universities.