by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare
based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles
THE MANY FACES OF THE POET
directed by Betty Hart
16
“A lone figure emerges on a simple stage...” And the play begins. One-person shows are an acting feat all on their own, however An Iliad requires the performer to learn and speak Greek, tackle the epic style of gods and warriors, as well as command the audience with their presence and charisma. CRT’s production features the formidable talent of Lavour Addison. Here, we look at the many identities of The Poet. In the quotes below, An Iliad playwrights Lisa Petersen and Denis O’Hare discuss how the role came to be, and how they envisioned this very important role. Who would you cast as your Poet?
(left) Denis O'Hare in the original production. (right) Rachel Christopher at Long Wharf Theatre. Photo by T. Charles Erickson
“We began to imagine a character called The Poet: an ancient teller of tales who might still exist in the universe, doomed to tell the story of the Trojan War until the day when human nature changes, when our addiction to rage comes to an end, when the telling of a war story becomes unnecessary. A day that has yet to come, of course.” Mary Tuomanen at Arden Theatre Co. Photo by Wide Eyed Studios
“We imagine that on this particular night, our Poet finds himself transported to an empty stage, in front of a particular audience…”
your theatre, always
Kyle Hatley at Kansas City Rep. Photo by Don Ipock
