We want to see these women in their multiplicities, reimagined for the confused and crazed world that is the 21st century. The series contains three exhibitions for the three characters - Medusa, Clytemnestra and Penelope. The three characters were curated based on each character’s unique story.

The design of Kleio’s Medusa exhibition plays on the traditional childhood game of Snakes and Ladders, subverting the accepted rules of the game, which acted as an ancient moral guide for children within which the ladders represent virtues, and the snakes, evils. Playing this version, landing upon a snake means you move down the board, toward failure. In our version, the snakes are a means for players to reach the top of the board, toward victory. In doing so, we are playfully attempting to challenge hundreds of years of negative symbolism associated with the figure of the snake, and thereby Medusa. The tiles of the board also contain a collage containing different contemporary interpretations of Medusa, by 22 artists from around the world. Kleio invites you to “play along” - make your way to the top with the help of our snakes, borrowed from Medusa’s famous head for this very purpose.

Unlike Medusa, Penelope and Clytemnestra were presented as one. The Penelope/Clytemestra exhibition showcases the two characters side by side to emphasise their duality - a mirroring effect. Artist Lucy Ruddiman showcases two works, one for each character, in the form of an audio piece and video performance. Like many female authors, such as Nathalie Haynes and Emily Wilson, who have re-examined ancient Greek myths through a feminist lens, Lucy fills the gaps in the stories with her own. Ruddiman’s interpretations often examine the home, domesticity, labour as well as its complicated relationship with womanhood.

“Holding it Together” (2021) is a 15 minute and 14 second monologue by Penelope. Voiced by Ruddiman herself, this version of Penelope reveals her most intimate thoughts, behind closed doors. This audio piece incorporates a performative element: Lucy invites the audience to listen to Penelope whilst they get on with mundane chores around the home, like the laundry or the dishes.

“Do you really think I shouldn’t” (2021) is a 19 minute and 32 second video performance, in which features a monologue by Clytemnestra. The work takes the form of a zoom call, where Clytemnestra speaks directly to the viewer. Ruddiman’s version of Clytemnestra is one to be sympathised with. After all that has been said about her vengeful and conniving ways, she demands to be heard and she has something to say.