Mythmasters

On Thursday, the 5th grade students, and teachers, were lucky enough to witness the yearly visit of the Mythmasters (http://yamass.org/index.php/programs/theatre/mythmasters/) to the Proctor School. This two person show entertains and teaches the 5th grade about Greek Mytyhology in a unique and humorous style. Lindsay Flathers and Anthony Cascio have the kind of onstage chemistry that had 5th graders and adults mesmerized as they regaled us with a humorous, modern take on three Greek myths.

The program starts with Anthony and Lindsay informing the students about what myths are, why they were created, and how they were passed down over the past couple thousand years. They do a great job preparing the students for what they will be seeing while also getting the students involved with some give and take.

Introduction

They then move on to the myth of Pheaton and Helios where they start to introduce some of the masks and costumes that are prevalent throughout the presentation. They conclude this myth, and the two following stories, with reasons why this particular myth was created and what it was trying to explain.

Phaeton and Helios

The next myth, the popular Echo and Nacissus, really had the audience in stitches. The actors played multiple roles and their comedic timing was impeccable. The props were simple, yet effective, and the costumes and masks were a laugh riot. Mime was also used in a clever way in this myth.

Echo and Nacissus

Anthony and Lindsay ended their presentation with the myth, Orpheus and Eurydice. Puppetry and continued changing of roles on the fly made this a fast-paced entertaining presentation, and the audience was even asked to participate with various movements, such as the wave and tree swaying. It was a great way to finish up.

Orpheus and Eurydice



 It is said that if a show is a hit then the audience should be left wanting more. I can guarantee that that is how this audience of 5th graders felt on Thursday. These two actors have been coming to Proctor School for several years now and each year the show is better and better. Hilarious doesn't begin to describe the presentation, yet they are also incredibly informative. If you haven't had the chance to have these performers come to your school you are missing 1 1/2 hours of the most entertaining, informative, and memorable time your students will have this year. I can't recommend them highly enough. Try 'em, you'll love 'em.