Synopsis and Characters
Get to know the characters of An Iliad and read a detailed synopsis of the play.
Synopsis
For a detailed synopsis of the source material for this play, The Iliad, see materials in the Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design page of this Learning Guide.
- An Iliad is a one-actor adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad created by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare that originated at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
- The Iliad (sometimes referred to as the “Song of Ilion” or “Song of Ilium”) is an epic poem traditionally attributed to Homer. Set during the Trojan War—a ten-year siege of the city of Troy (Ilium) by a coalition of Greek states—it tells of the battles and events that took place during the weeks of a disagreement between the Greek king Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles.
- Though it tells the story of The Iliad, An Iliad is not an exact adaptation of Homer’s text. Instead, it is a version of the story told by a modern narrator (The Poet) who is just as familiar with current events as his ancient story, and often tries to help us understand the Trojan War by adapting it to our present day. In the play, The Poet shares his tale directly with the audience, attempting to contextualize the events of the Trojan War so people can comprehend the tragedy, pain, and humanity of those who were—and are—fighting.
Characters
- The Poet: A storyteller and performer who recounts the Trojan War (played by Timothy Edward Kane)
- Understudy for The Poet: Played by Jason Huysman