Performance Review: Elektra-fying, but needed some shaping up

★★★☆☆☆

March 21 marked the opening night of ‘Elektra’ performed by the CBS Theater at Huset’s House of International Theatre (HIT). The play continues until Sunday.

Starring Jakob Espen as Orestes and Kristine Helms as Elektra, the play offers a modern take on the Greek tragedy. Performed in English by young adults from all over Europe, it meshes present-day issues with a dark classic.

The theatre company’s marketing strategy of comparing the play to HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ was not forgotten during the performance either.

Expectations unmet
A young princess, Elektra, plots to avenge her father’s death with the help of her brother, Orestes, by killing the murderer: their mother. But not only is she the central character, she is also the central flaw. Portrayed as a whining teenager, she fails to bring the gravitas.

The play’s central act – the murder of the queen, Klytemnestra, by a confused Orestes – is also a letdown. The stabbing is unrealistic, rendering the aftermath of the son crying over his mother’s body underwhelming.

Still, it was a relief to no longer have to put up with the swishing sound of the queen’s dress, which seemed to have been made out of garbage bags. 

An attempt to be relevant
In classic Greek tragedies, the chorus is used to comment on and further the main plot. This chorus however spent their stage time discussing Greece like they were travel agents while also raving about southern European men.

Spending what felt like an eternity naming every war since 1991, followed by the entire cast dancing to house music with expressionless faces, the chorus was unnecessarily used to comment on current social issues during a play that was written thousands of years ago.

Not all was lost
Despite all of this, the cast’s preparation and dedication did not go unnoticed. There was definitely not a moment that gave the audience’s minds a chance to wander. With good intentions, the Greek tragedy’s promise for drama was not lost in this performance.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees