The Odyssey

“Of the many things hidden from the knowledge of man, nothing is more unintelligible than the human heart.” Legendary poet Homer uttered those words, even as his literary works disproved them. Across centuries and civilizations, his epic poem The Odyssey became one of the world’s most famous tales. This mighty, moving story follows Odysseus on his decade-long journey home from war—using skill, strength and intellect to survive a fantastical array of creatures, sorcerers, monsters and divine forces. In the tradition of oral performance by skilled bards across the Mediterranean, Aquila Theatre brings The Odyssey to life onstage. A tree of life from which Western fiction grew, The Odyssey remains a testament to the human spirit, the will to wander and the yearning for home.

This performance is part of a two-production mini-residency with Aquila Theatre Company. Following Aquila’s dynamic production of Frankenstein last season, Convocations will again engender deep curricular engagement across campus with stage adaptations of the iconic literary works, Homer’s Odyssey and Orwell’s 1984.

PRE-SHOW TALK | 6:30PM | STEWART CENTER 279
Join Dr. Mike Johnston, an Associate Professor in the Department of English, and Dr. Daniel Conner, Assistant Professor of Teaching in the School of Languages and Cultures, for a discussion about the evening’s performance.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Aquila Theatre production of The Odyssey will include simulated gunshots (audio) and replica/dummy firearms. 

2019/20 BIG READ

Purdue’s Big Read is designed to enrich Purdue and Greater Lafayette through literature. Each year we select a great book, create a calendar of engaging events, including lectures, book group discussions, performances, workshops and author visits, and then provide free copies of the text to the community. Studies show that book ownership contributes to academic achievement, educational attainment, and economic development.

The 2019-2020 selection is Emily Wilson’s splendid translation of The Odyssey. Learn more…