By Lynn Venhaus

For a small show, “Athena” packs a mighty punch. Set in the specific world of competitive fencing, the 75-minute two-hander is a remarkable achievement for a fierce pair of young actresses whose skill and timing are paramount to the show’s success.

Led with a deft hand and an acute ear by director Nancy Bell, “Athena” tells a slice-of-life story between two 17-year-old athletes as they train for national competition, with the goal of qualifying for the Junior Olympics.

A third character, Jamie (Carmen Cecelia Retzer), is seen briefly near the end.

The worldlier Athena (Isa Venere) appears to have the upper hand in this rivals dynamic, while studious Mary Wallace (Jaelyn Genyse) for all her bravado, is more insecure and sheltered.

Both ambitious and driven, they have teamed up to practice together after school – Athena lives in the city while Mary Wallace commutes from Teaneck, N.J. They have spent so much of their lives competing that they don’t make friends easily, but a bond, no matter how bumpy, forms based on mutual respect and admiration. They push each other and accept nothing but their best. Much is riding on their success and their future.

Athena, aka Darby Schlossberg, has named herself after the Greek mythological goddess of wisdom and warfare, known for heroic endeavors. She projects confidence, and a  command of the sport, but her life skills aren’t as developed yet. They both crave experiences but have devoted themselves to the goal of making it as far as they can in the sport.

Playwright Gracie Gardner’s nimble dialogue is matched by the actresses’ physical agility as they realistically banter and spar. It’s as if we are eavesdropping on two teenagers and their Gen Z viewpoints, frustrations and assessments of their daily routines.

Laced with humor, hormonal angst and that age group’s never-ending melodramas, “Athena” pops with personality and pizzazz.

The tremendous amount of work involved in mounting this show can’t be overstated – what a monumental task for all involved. With its warrior attitude, this intimate 2018 play is a good fit for the Steve Woolf Studio Series

Venere and Genyse are flawless in their natural portrayals, conveying appealing vitality as their characters and handling physicality with grace and aplomb. They appear to be well-trained in this ancient sport, and much credit goes to Fight Director Paul Steger and Fencing Consultant Annamaria Lu.

Seth Howard’s set design of a rectangular “piste” is functional and formatted for an in-the-round experience, while Jayson M Lawshee’s lighting design suits the competition and training demands.

Sound designer Jimmy Bernatowicz keeps the fast-paced action at a lively clip, interspersing contemporary dance hits to pump up the energy. Costume designer Renee Garcia outfits the pair in their practice and competitive uniforms, one recognizable through her neon orange shoes and the other by her colorful socks.

With bravura lead performances, this coming-of-age journey of self-discovery is a compelling look at girls trying to grab the brass ring, and ways female friendships are put to the test.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents “Athena” by Grace Gardner Jan. 15 through Feb. 9 “Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. This production lasts 75 minutes without intermission. It contains strobe lights, strong language, and is recommended for ages 16 and up. For more information: www.repstl.org.