Based on the work of Homer
Directed by Richard Garner
Adapted by Richard Garner and Georgia Shakespeare’s Associate Artists
Opening Night, October 8
Georgia Shakespeare announces the World Premiere of The Odyssey: the Journey Home, based on the work of Homer, adapted by Richard Garner and the Associate Artists of Georgia Shakespeare, and directed by Richard Garner. The show runs October 7-31 and there are several special events planned during the run to honor and raise awareness for veterans.
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary Season, Richard Garner, Producing Artistic Director, and Georgia Shakespeare kick off “The Icarus Project” a 10-year long program that will produce company-generated and/or company-adapted work, giving the company’s Associate Artists a vehicle through which they may flex different muscles and work from the other side of the table. The program launches with The Odyssey: a Journey Home.
In this clever adaptation of Homer’s breathtaking epic, the physical, psychological and emotional challenges Odysseus overcomes in his return from fighting the Trojan wars mirror those of the modern warrior. Returning from war is a journey that only begins with arriving home. The Odyssey: a Journey Home examines the issues around re-entry and explores the actuality of “coming home”.
“Our veterans arrive home in a matter of hours, versus Odysseus’ 10-year trip, but their journey doesn’t end at home’s threshold. In many ways, it is just beginning,” says Garner. “And yet, the parallels between Odysseus and today’s soldiers are stunning. It’s been a real eye-opener to explore this concept of warriors and to realize how very little has changed over these hundreds of years.”
The cast features Joe Knezevich (in his 12th season at Georgia Shakespeare) as Odysseus, Chris Kayser (21st season) as Zeus, Carolyn Cook (16th season) as Athena and Neal A. Ghant (6th season) as Poseidon, among others.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Free and Open to the Public:
On Saturday, October 30, at 4:30pm, The ArtReach Foundation, Inc., will host a symposium to discuss issues facing veterans today. The panel will also discuss the play and how Odysseus’ journey, and the demons he faced along the way, represent issues veterans are facing upon returning home currently. The panel consists of The ArtReach Foundation Founder and Executive Director, Susan Anderson; Psychiatrist and Chair of the Board of Directors of The ArtReach Foundation Christina O’Hara; and Georgia Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director and The Odyssey: a Journey Home director and adapter, Richard Garner.
Free and Discounted Tickets for Military Guests
Georgia Shakespeare will give away 50 tickets per performance to military personnel with a valid ID, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each military guest with an ID will be given two tickets, and the opportunity to purchase up to two more at the discounted rate of $15 each.
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