Blog - Page 3 of 52 - Court Theatre

Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design

Explore the historical context embedded in AN ILIAD, its dramaturgy, and the design of Court Theatre’s production.

Synopsis and Characters

Read a detailed synopsis of the play and get to know The Poet, the sole character of AN ILIAD.

Glossary of Gods, Greeks, and Trojans

Familiarize yourself with Gods, Greeks, and Trojans named and embodied in the Poet’s retelling of AN ILIAD.

“One of the Great[est] Performances…Ever in Chicago”

AN ILIAD is "captivating and chilling" and "more than a play" - find out why!

In Conversation: Playwrights Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare

Adaptors Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare turned a spontaneous idea into AN ILIAD. Learn how improvisation, urgency, and a shared passion for timeless stories transformed a classic into a modern theatrical force.

The Homeric Question

Was Homer a single blind poet, a wandering storyteller, or merely a symbol of a poetic tradition spanning centuries? With archaeological clues, linguistic puzzles, and ancient gossip, the article uncovers the enduring enigma behind THE ILIAD and THE ODYSSEY.

Reading Homer’s Iliad Today: An Interview With Scholar Glenn W. Most

This reflective article explores THE ILIAD through the eyes of renowned classicist Glen W. Most, tracing his personal, emotional, and scholarly journey with Homer’s epic.

One and Many Iliads

AN ILIAD transforms Homer’s ancient epic into a hauntingly modern tale, blending timeless poetry with raw, improvised storytelling. Discover how a single performer channels centuries of war, memory, and myth in a bold reawakening of the oral tradition.

Up Next: Spotlight Reading Series

Discover the legacy of Theodore Ward, a trailblazing voice in American theatre, through Court’s Spotlight Reading Series.

Behind the Scenes: Scenic and Costume Design for Berlin

Scenic Designer John Culbert and Costume Designer Jacqueline Firkins share how they brought Jason Lutes's acclaimed graphic novel to life onstage.