Presented by The Adelaide Festival with The University of Adelaide
Reviewed 14 March 2020
I have never read any of the published versions of Homer’s epic tale The Iliad. Neither have I seen Troy nor any of the films that stem from this story; nevertheless I know the salient facts – it would be hard for any educated person to avoid being aware of Greek gods, the Trojan Wars and this oft retold tale. So, agreeing to sit through 12 hours of staged reading I prepared to be enlightened. My companion for the show was much better informed than I and looked forward to it eagerly. I am happy to say she was not disappointed.
A story 3000 years old, written down much later, probably about the 7th or 8th century BC. It was a poem verbally transferred from generation to generation. Homer was telling the story of events that it is believed took place 400 years before his life. His story telling ability is legendary, these tales have stayed vibrant and mesmerising for so many years.
William Zappa undertook many years of research, trial and error, to bring this version to the stage. Originally beginning as a radio play, it has developed into a live performance. The story was designed to be spoken to an audience who are present, so this vehicle achieves the creator’s purpose. Zappa is well known for his acting ability and is joined in this venture by fellow actors, Heather Mitchell, Blazey Blast and Socratis Otto, all delivering fine performances. It is an undertaking for audiences to sit and attentively listen to numerous chapters broken into three acts each of three hours. How much more so for the actors bringing this story alive! The concentration and commitment are laudable, the performance excellent.
The staging is played out on a vary bare set with a sand circle in the middle which changes slightly during the run. At the back sit the ever present and necessary musicians. Michael Askill on percussion and Harmed Sadeghi on the Oud (a traditional lute type instrument) introduce each act and provide suitable background sounds. Zappa directed this piece with the assistance of Damien Ryan. The lighting, which aided the drama was designed by Matt Cox and enhances the set and costumes designed by Melanie Liertz.
The cast are exceptional, playing many parts in their reading, conveying excitement, despair, love and a multitude of other human emotions. Homer’s story is as Zappa says at the beginning, like a TV series, letting you get to know various characters and taking you on their journey. This version is abridged having had some of the books reduced for brevity, but it remains an epic.
I am so glad I got to experience this wonderful piece of stage-crafted story telling.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Scott Theatre, University of Adelaide
Season: 14-15 March
Duration: 12 hrs with intervals
Tickets: $25
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