The leaves are changing, and the air is getting colder. That can only mean one thing: Trinity Hall’s Queen’s Court Company is gearing up for the fall play! QCC will present Weston Scott’s Odysseus Dies at the End, a comedic and satirical story inspired by the remaining fragments of Odysseus Acanthoplex, Sophocles’ lost play. Read on for a sneak peek of what audience members should know before coming to see this reimagined tale of Greek mythology.
Odysseus Dies at the End is a sort of sequel to The Odyssey, a what-could-have-happened alternate ending to Odysseus’ story. The narrative follows the consequences of Odysseus' return home to Ithaca. With a semi-devoted wife, a murderous son, a wicked sea witch, a secret son, and a member of the Greek chorus, the story is filled with chaotic decisions, twists, and dramatic encounters that lead up to Odysseus’ inevitable fate.
The Greek chorus and Footnote characters serve as meta-commenters who are self-aware and ridiculously in sync. That is, until Chorus Member Three longs for her own purpose, one separate from the full chorus of seven. As the play unfolds, certain characters long to kill Odysseus (spoiler: he dies at the end), themes of self-discovery are explored, and the true heroines of the classical tale are uncovered.
The contemporary dialogue and relatable dynamics portrayed in the show make it entertaining and worthwhile for Greek mythology fanatics and newcomers alike. While the play revolves around many well-known and legendary figures, it also has an overarching theme of storytelling and its importance. Odysseus Dies at the End changes the perspective on traditionally predictable characters by presenting them in a nuanced and complex manner.
Director Ellen Philips shared, “Something really unique about this play is that everyone in the school has read or will read The Odyssey in their freshman year, so they will have a basis of understanding with the characters in the story. I also do a lot of Greek theater in some of my classes, and this play really gets to showcase the kinds of things we discuss and work on.” There is a reason these stories have held the test of time. The themes explored within the journeys of the characters on stage are relevant and worth hearing about, especially with a fresh and reimagined script.
Audiences of all ages should come see this production, regardless of their pre-existing knowledge of Greek folklore. Odysseus Dies at the End is a brilliant, witty and clever story that will have everyone laughing, and the jaw-dropping moments are sure to entertain. Be sure to get tickets and support the QCC after all of their hard work; you will not be disappointed!