Odyssey

Overview

Gods, goddesses, cyclops and nymphs, whether you are a former Classics student or not, Homer's The Odyssey is still a really good read. After a successful season in Whangarei, Company of Giants are bringing their production of this epic tale to Auckland.

It might have been written at the end of the 8th century BC but The Odyssey's universal content is as relevant today as ever. The central themes deal in such things as the effects of war, destiny, family and the spiritual connection of home.

As the story goes our protagonist Odysseus struggles to get home after surviving the Trojan War. Along the way he battles angry gods, lustrous goddesses, foreboding prophecies and eventually the death of his crew. Meanwhile his son Telemachus goes on his own journey to discover his history and track down the father he has never met. Penelope, Odysseus' wife, waits patiently in a rundown household, amidst debauched suitors, who are vying for her hand and fortune. She anxiously hopes for news of her husband or a sign that he’ll be coming back.

Company of Giants focus is to produce work that appeals to and is generated by young people. The Whangarei show featured 8 to 18 year olds from Northland Youth Theatre. For the Auckland season eight of the previous cast and crew members will be joined by a new group of local youngsters.