More about the June 16 Odyssey

Homer's Odyssey is the second oldest surviving work of Western literature.  Composed towards the end of the 8th century BCE, this great epic story has been a sourcebook for many of the themes, images and devices that have preoccupied writers and readers for 2,800 years.  It has survived not because it is old, but because people down throught the centuries have loved and valued it: the story of a heroic but all-too human veteran struggling to get home after a decade-long war.  On his long journey, Odysseus encounters monsters, magic, spirits of the dead, storms, foreign cultures, beautiful women, gods and goddesses, mind-enslaving blossoms, and those most deadly hazards, human folly and human treachery.  Meanwhile, on the home front, his wife fends off unwelcome suitors and his son searches for a father he cannot remember.

Many scholars believe that the Odyssey was first composed and performed as an oral story; that it was meant to be heard rather than read. 

On June 16 there will be a rare opportunity to experience the Odyssey "live and whole" here in Ottawa at the NAC 4th Stage, in a day-long telling by a troupe of Ottawa storytellers (including your truly).  True, engaging with the Odyssey for a full day will stretch your attention span more than a Youtube video or a Hollywood movie; but the rewards are also greater.  Even if you have read the Odyssey or seen some film interpretation of it, I think you'll discover that absorbing it the way they did 2800 years ago brings a whole new perspective.  And yes, there will be plenty of breaks! Here's one of the official blurbs: 

"On June 16, at the National Arts Centre's 4th Stage in Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa StoryTellers and 2 women productions present Odysseus’s journey, from beginning to end, in a full day of epic storytelling featuring Homer's Odyssey! Circe, the Cyclops, gods and goddesses will carry the audience into an ancient world. Eighteen storytellers will take the audience on the hero’s quest as Homer meant it to be heard, from Troy’s defeat to Ithaca’s shores, and all the points in between. This twelve-hour show offers a unique performance experience, and offers the audience the opportunity to become part of a community of listeners with a shared cultural journey. 10am to 10pm, with breaks for stretching, conversation, and meals. Tickets $60 from the NAC Box Office. A limited number of evening-only tickets are also available."

For more information please visit http://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/odyssey/

P.S. If you won't be able to attend but would still like to support this independent artistic venture, please consider making a donation at 
http://www.indiegogo.com/ottawastorytellers.  Donors are eligible for a number of interesting perks...