STONE BLIND

Natalie Haynes energizes the melodrama of ancient Greek gods with a divine level of storyteller's flair. Amid a roiling sea of eternal backbiting and scheming are the devoted Gorgon sisters--Sthenno, Euryale, and Medusa--who become drawn into the gods' petty squabbles and the petulant "hero" Perseus's quest for Medusa's head. Haynes's vibrant portrayals of the pantheon of gods, demigods, mortals, and a snarky talking head further enliven this tale. Despite the who's who of immortals, it's always clear who speaks to listeners. Haynes's performance captures the emotional highs and lows, effecting the right balance of drama between Athene, Zeus, and Poseidon, with more intimate exchanges between the Gorgons. Listeners who enjoy transformative retellings of Greek myths will find much to relish in this production. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]