The Odyssey is an epic Greek legend: typically described as the best story ever instructed. Based mostly on Odysseus’ arduous return house after the autumn of Troy, it tells of gods, perilous journeys and magical journey. Thrilling stuff! This spring on the Unicorn TheatreNina Segal‘s new stage adaptation for ages 8-13 places Odysseus’ son Telemachus on the centre of the story. We have been delighted that she was in a position to take a couple of minutes away from the rehearsal room to inform us all about his quest.
Hello Nina. Thanks a lot for taking the time to talk with us about this thrilling present. The Odyssey is likely one of the hottest journey tales of all time. Why do you suppose this stage adaptation will enchantment to younger audiences?
I feel, as you say, The Odyssey has a timeless enchantment. It’s a basic quest, a few character who begins with one ambition, then spends the remainder of the narrative attempting to realize this. For Odysseus, in Homer’s unique, his intention is to return house after the Trojan conflict; in our model, Telemachus – Odysseus’ son – units out to search out his father and to deliver him house. We hope the themes we’ve chosen to give attention to – of journey, of leaving house, of the connection between kids and fogeys, and the transition between childhood and maturity – shall be notably of curiosity to our younger viewers; however ought to hopefully have wider relevance too.
Why have you ever chosen to inform the story from Telemachus’ perspective?
I feel the selection was very instinctive – each as a result of it permits our viewers to attach intently with the character most close to to them in age; and likewise as a result of it permits far between ourselves and Odysseus. Each Jen (Tang, director) and I learn Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of The Odyssey – the primary line of which is ‘Inform me a few difficult man’, which is an ideal introduction to the character. Odysseus is difficult and, particularly from a up to date perspective, removed from good. The unique story has some fairly stunning components of violence. Reframing the occasions from Telemachus’ perspective permits us to handle this appropriately for our audiences; and to look at the query of how we view our personal mother and father, and what we do after we (virtually inevitably) realise that they’re imperfect too.
What themes can we anticipate finding on this play?
It’s a play a few journey – about setting out from house to search out somebody and being modified your self alongside the best way; and it’s a play about mother and father and kids, about what we inherit from the individuals who raised (or perhaps didn’t increase) us, and about what we select to do with that inheritance.
Your model of the story is accompanied by 60s soul music. Appears like enjoyable! The place did that concept come from?
Early within the course of, Jen and I have been occupied with ‘gods’ – the unique Greek fantasy is stuffed with gods, watching occasions unfold and intervening alongside the best way. In occupied with how we would replace the narrative, we requested ourselves – who takes the place of gods in our modern society? The instinctive reply for us was pop stars! From there, the concept of a sort-of sixties lady band was fashioned – these wonderful, glamorous girls, who’re indirectly elevated from regular life.
Inform us a bit about your solid and creatives. Who’s on board for this epic journey?
We’ve a tremendous firm of actors: Shaka Kalokoh as Telemachus, Money Holland as his mom Penelope, and Cerys Marie Burton and Kimmy Edwards because the Muses. Money additionally performs an array of otherworldly creatures, while Cerys and Kimmy additionally multi-role as Trojans, Ithacans, sheep, sirens bouncers and wild beasts. On the inventive aspect, we’ve an excellent firm: Jen Tang as director, Naomi Hammerton as composer, Rosie Elnile as designer, Chi-San Howard on motion, Jessica Hung Han Yun on lighting, Ellie Isherwood on sound, and Virginie Taylor on video.
Is that this your first expertise of writing for younger audiences? How have you ever discovered it, and would you do it once more?
I’ve written a brief play for The Unicorn earlier than, however I’ve all the time dreamed of getting a full-length play on right here. The Unicorn is one among my favorite theatres in London – they make daring, enjoyable, experimental work, for one of the best audiences round. Younger audiences are magic – they reply with such honesty and pleasure. It’s an actual thrill to be sharing The Odyssey with them. I really feel very fortunate to have been in a position to make this present.
Thanks very a lot to Nina for taking the time to inform us all about her up to date epic. The Odyssey is aimed toward ages 8-13 and runs on the Unicorn Theatre till Sunday 21 April. Reserving particulars could be discovered right here.
