An Iliad at KC Rep Winter 2015

An Iliad at KC Repertory Theatre Jan. 23 - Feb. 15, 2015 Directed by Jerry Genochio 

Written by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare

Based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles

Appropriate for ages 13 & up. Contains language depicting scenes of graphic violence.

This retelling of Homer’s epic poem illuminates an ancient classic by taking a harrowing look at the human cost of war. Featuring KC Rep Resident Director Kyle Hatley in a starring role and directed by Producing Director Jerry Genochio, Obie-Award winners Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare (HBO’s True Blood) have created a spellbinding work of theatre spanning three millennia.

The Iliad, the earliest known work in Western literature, was assigned reading for many of us in early literature classes. The tale of the Trojan War (1250 B.C.) memorializes that war, and yet resonates with us centuries later because truly - it memorializes every war.

This winter, the KC Repertory Theatre presents a play told by The Poet (Kyle Hatley) and accompanied by Musician (Raymond Castrey), in the deep belly of a tattered warship. The audience embarks on a literary journey - a poetic mixture of recitation, drama, and improvisation, all moving us through Homer's Iliad and at the same time vividly showing that the lessons of the Trojan War are truly every war.

The entire play is performed by one actor, Kyle Hatley, as he captures the characters and scenes one by one. Drama, love, rage, manipulation, confusion, hatred, sadness.... war... deep, dark, bloody war. The scenes are accompanied by musician, Raymond Castrey, who performs percussion on simple stage items (barrels, blocks of wood, and pipes), and takes turns at the dulcimer and flute. And, as we've come to expect from The Rep, the sets (a broken warship and its few remaining contents), a backdrop of ancient text, and mystical lighting set the tone for the poem.

Kyle's performance is choreographed perfectly as he jumps from one platform to another, capturing the raw emotion of history in every scene.

The play is recommended for ages 13 and up because the source material is so intense. This is the story of war, and the descriptions of it's cruel violence are intense and detailed.

For 90 minutes, the audience sits enraptured as the poem unfolds, the scenes set, the characters portrayed, and the poet explains that the story of the Trojan War is one of modern day as well. We've been told, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it," and indeed it has been repeated over and over again as the poet reminds us as he recites the names of countless wars from the dawn of time until the present day.

The show is captivating, thought-provoking, and intense. You will leave with a sense of awe at the magnitude of the performance and an overwhelming sadness and contemplation that history does in fact, and is in fact, repeating itself.

The performers received a sincere standing ovation from the audience - for The Poet and The Musician had just taken us all on an incredible journey. The performances are masterful and nearly flawless in a heart-wrenching and unforgettable performance.