Achilles
Achilles tells the story of the greatest hero of the Trojan war. How his best friend is killed by the champion of the Trojans, his desperate grief, and his terrible vengeance.
It’s the ninth year of war and Troy still stands
Written by Ewan Downie, based on Homer's Iliad, Achilles fuses storytelling, dance and song to tell the story of a man’s loss of self: a burning out of his vulnerability, his rage, and his humanity.
Sing
Goddess
Sing the rage of Achilles
That sent to darkness
So many souls
And glazed their eyes in death
That made their bodies carrion
For the birds and dogs to tear
Their families wait forever
For their coming home.
Achilles premiered at Platform during the Eastern Promise Festival in October 2017. It toured nationally and internationally for 47 shows, including a week at the Citizens' Theatre Circle Studio, a full run at Summerhall during the 2018 Fringe, dates in Norway and Portugal, and a full UK tour.
Funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland
Gallery
Film
Reviews
“ Chillingly memorable.
“ a tightly-reined narrative that lands all the right emotional punches… a bold, unconstrained outpouring of pain and loss that drags the audience right into the heart of Achilles’ agony.
“ recounted in unsparing, gruesomely poetic detail… with muscular, visual eloquence… the songs carry a powerful spiritual resonance and are performed with real depth of expression.
“ So so so good. We need more theatre like this. Phenomenal storytelling, performance, engagement, pathos, and all in 45 minutes! MORE PLEASE!!
“ No adequate words — overwhelming. Wonderful.
Credits
Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland
In association with Cumbernauld Theatre, Platform, Dance House, and Citizens Theatre