This award-winning and widely produced adaptation of Homer’s classic myth dramatizes Odysseus’ epic journey home from the Trojan War. An Old Man recalls his adventures involving the one-eyed Cyclops, the hypnotizing Sirens, the temptress Circe, and King Aeolous, keeper of the winds, as well as Hermes, Poseidon, Zeus, Apollo, and Athena. Upon finally returning home to Ithaca, Odysseus must still overcome suitors who seek to become king by marrying his wife, Penelope. This fast-moving play remains faithful to Homer’s poetic original with intriguing masks, choric songs, pantomime, and other theatrical effects. The KU Theatre for Young People is staging the classical recreation for young audiences in grades four through six.
Character | Cast Member |
Odysseus |
Carter Royce Waite |
| Telemachus, son of Odysseus Apollo Peremides, a sailor Dead Soul | Justin Knudsen |
| Polyphemus, the Cyclops Ktessipos, a suitor Zeus Dead Soul | Lawrence P. Henderson |
| Pallas Athena Poseidon Aeolus’ Attendant Siren | Kate Giessel |
| King Aeolus Teiresias Eurymachus, a suitor Siren | Courtney Schweitzer |
| Penelope Polites, a sailor Hylax, a sailor Dead Soul | Amy Virginia Buchanan |
| Hermes Leodes, a suitor Eurylochus, a sailor Aeolus’ Attendant Dead Soul | Megan Persinger |
| Circe Anticlea, mother of Odysseus Antinous, a suitor Perites, a sailor Siren | Kari Gillespie |
