Live from Mount Olympus

Given the violent and often disturbing nature of Greek mythology, this adaptation manages to be impressively humorous and playful, without altering the source material. Live from Mount Olympus leans into the positive relationships and liberatory subtext of these myths to offer a show that is warm and engaging. Female protagonists Danae, Andromeda, Persephone, and Demeter are given equal airtime in this dialogue driven audio drama, returning some of their power and agency, even as key plot points revolve around their being treated as property. Meanwhile, male protagonists Perseus, Zeus, and Hades are shown to be introspective and vulnerable. The impressive cast, prominently featuring members of the Brooklyn-based theater ensemble The Team, lends subtlety to the straightforward, approachable dialogue.

Young listeners may have a hard time keeping up with the extensive character list and long Greek names–who can remember the difference between the evil king Acrisius and the other evil king Polydectes? That said, preteens will find a lot to relate to in the young Perseus and Persephone, both trying to make their way out on their own for the first time in their lives. This show will be a particular treat for those mythology obsessed kids who already have a favorite Greek god and a fun introduction for those new to the topic.