Event: An Iliad
Presented by: Dirt Road Productions
Date & Time: May 18th 3-4:30pm
Location: Douglas College

Event Overview

“An Iliad” by Dirt Road Productions was an intense and captivating theatrical “one-person” performance that breathed new life into the classic tale of Homer’s Iliad. Held at Douglas’s New Westminister campus, the play captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and minimalist staging, highlighting the timeless themes of war, rage, and human nature.

Creative Team

• Direction | Set: Kathleen Duborg
• Stage Management: Emily Hoff
• Lighting: Craig Alfredson
• Costumes: Johanna Karlen
• Projection: Julien Boivin
• Musician | Composer: Sarah May Redmond
• Producer: Madelyn Osborne

Special Thanks to Producer Madelyn Osborne: A globe-trotting director and producer with a passion for exploring themes of local and global impact, Madelyn has an extensive background in theatre, having lived and created in countries like Germany, Wales, England, Scotland, and South Korea.

Cast

• Thrasso Petras – The Poet
• Sarah May Redmond – The Muse

Key Highlights

• Dynamic Performance: Thrasso Petras, playing The Poet, delivered a stellar performance (coming back to perform after 10 years!), bringing depth and emotion to his role. His monologues were both haunting and thought-provoking.
• Musical Accompaniment: Sarah May Redmond, as The Muse, added a profound layer to the performance with her musical compositions and live music, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
• Minimalist Staging: The simple yet effective set design by Kathleen Duborg allowed the story to take center stage, emphasizing the raw emotion and intensity of the performance.
• Audience Engagement: The intimate setting created a powerful connection between the performers and the audience, making the timeless themes of war and human nature feel immediate and relevant.

Directors’ Notes

Kathleen Duborg shared her thoughts on the production, highlighting the collaborative effort and the deep connection the team felt to the ancient story. She emphasized the timeless nature of the Iliad’s themes and their relevance in today’s world, hoping that the audience would find personal connections with the characters and their struggles.

Kathleen’s note:

“This has been a special odyssey for me. I got to make art and build a story with my friends for our small gem of a company, Dirt Road Theatre. Exactly one year ago, on May 8, 2024, Thrasso and I were in Greece at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus reading from this play. It’s been an incredibly rich experience. I hope the story grabs you and makes a tale from 3,000 years ago feel immediate, vital, and memorable.”

Thrasso Petras’ Insights

Thrasso Petras, in his reflections, discussed the personal journey of performing a one-person show and the timeless questions of fate and human existence explored in “An Iliad”. He expressed his hope that the audience would find the performance both illuminating and inspiring, drawing parallels between the ancient tale and the angst of modern contemporary life.

Thrasso’s note:

“One of my dear theatre teachers once said, ‘Doing a one-person show is an act of desperation. When you’re desperate, do one.’ This story isn’t about me; it’s about you, who receives the story. I hope that when you recognize desperation, you will choose to act, much like Achilles did when he let go of his rage, even if only briefly.”

On further reflection upon my inquiry I asked if he was satisfied with how it all went down, particularly since this script had been gestating for 6 years prior to this production, as well as the pressure of performing after 10 years; the answer was a resounding “YES“.

Looking Forward

Although my experience with intimate small productions has been somewhat limited, forgoing the glitz and glam of large scale theatre; this production of “An Iliad” was a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.

As John Leguizamo so elequantly put “The challenge of a one-person show is to make the audience forget they are watching a solo act“. Oh boy did I forget!

Stay tuned for more exceptional performances from Dirt Road Productions!