The Odyssey
Here is a classic tale of courage, determination, and love. Journey back to a time when the gods and goddesses determined the daily fate of the world and all the humans upon it. In this tale we meet Odysseus as he returns to his beloved home of Ithaca. Soon he is sent by the goddess Athena to fight in the Trojan War and undergoes a journey that takes him much further - and much longer - than ever expected. Odysseus's path home from the battle is detained and crossed by many gods and goddesses, and the often dangerous creatures they have created such as the Cyclops, the six-headed Scylla, and the evil sorceress Circe. Ultimately, Odysseus's adventure lasts 20 long years. The god Hermes says it sends a message to the mortals about the power of the gods, while Athena says the message is about the power of war. Finally Aphrodite says it sends greatest message of all, the message of love.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT STEVEN FOGELL
TALKS ABOUT "THE ODYSSEY"
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ADAPTATION?
A: "The Odyssey" is a classic work that we all get to know sometime or other in school. I wanted to take the piece and break it down to the root of the story, "family." It was important to me to make this epic accessible to youth. The true message of the play is the same as the classic line from Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home."
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: I tend to lean toward the monsters' scenes in the play. I love the harpies, and the cyclops, but especially the six-headed Scylla!
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHARACTERS?
A: Many of the character are much like the people in my life, from Odysseus all the way to Circe. In fact, that is the name of my cat.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: I wanted to take a HUGE classic and make it a true adventure on stage for youth. The journey of Odysseus reminds us all of what we have to overcome to experience true happiness, the good and the bad. I wanted that point to be the focus.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: Don't be overwhelmed by the play. The names are different and the story is huge, but approach it with fun and imagination. If you do that, I can guarantee you will succeed in your production.