Bloomington Playwrights tell an old story from a new angle

Throughout the ages, many tales have been told of the enigmatic life of Theodora, a Byzantine empress. \nBut this week, the Bloomington Playwrights Project, 312 S. Washington St., tells the story from a different perspective -- a female point of view.\n"Theodora: An Unauthorized Biography" focuses on a female historian, played by senior Jennifer Biggio, who attempts getting the true story of Theodora, played by senior Jennifer Wire. \nBiggio's character discovers that there are many unsolved mysteries to Theodora's tale, such as when and where she was born. \nOther key players in the show include male historians throughout the ages who have written Theodora's biography. These figures provide a constant voice through the show.\nThe historian becomes frustrated with the biased male portrayal of the empress's history, so she resolves to go straight to the source to conduct her interviews: Theodora herself. \n"Historians have told (Theodora's) story from a strictly male point of view. This play is about a woman who speaks directly with Theodora," said Candy Decker, BPP company manager. \nAs the show progresses, both historian and empress discover some important truths about the powerful historic figure.\n"It's about a woman looking back through a man's world and discovering herself. It speaks to the audience about who we are and how we identify ourselves and tell our story," said producer John Edward Kinzer. \nDecker says the show sends a positive message to women. \n"This is not a feminist show, it's just told from a female point of view," she said.\nCasting the show was something that Kinzer took his time with.\n"This play is a little more mature and well developed. I was looking for people who could handle the comedy as well," said Kinzer.\n"Theodora: An Unauthorized Biography", is BPP's second production by award-winning playwright Jamie Pachino. \nPachino said she researched the play for four to five months and reviewed work by some of the historians that are portrayed in the show. \n"Everyone had a different opinion that corresponded with a different century," Pachino said. \nEventually, Pachino settled on her unique perspective for "Theodora." \n"I don't like straightforward biographical plays," Pachino said.\nTheodora is the first show of the BPP's new season. This season the theater is offering a special incentive to subscribers -- anyone who brings a guest to a show will receive two complimentary tickets.\n"We went people who don't know about the theater to get a chance to see our shows. We want to reach out to the whole Bloomington community, not just the campus -- we're hoping to expand and reach a higher audience," Decker said.\n"Theodora: An Unauthorized Biography" opens today and continues weekends through Oct. 7. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students and senior citizens. For ticket information and reservations, call 334-1188 or visit newplays.org.