‘An Iliad’: A One-Man Triumph at the Court Theatre

Beyond its fascinating narrative, “The Iliad” is still read because it tackles issues that are relevant to this day.

Timothy Edward Kane gives an award-worthy performance in "An Iliad," a take on Homer's "The Iliad." Michael Brosilow

CHICAGO—Imagine being in a room with the most famous poet in antiquity, the man whose storytelling influenced literature for ages, and listening to him regale you with events that took place during the most important event in ancient Greek history: the siege of Troy. This  unforgettable experience is unfolding at the Court Theatre in Chicago.

Based Homer’s “The Iliad,” (circa 850 century B.C.), this work, titled “An Iliad,” is co-authored by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. It’s a one-man play of Homer’s epic poem that tells the story of the 10-year war between two civilizations. It’s also a perfect choice for the Court’s mission to reimagine classic works for contemporary audiences.

A Classic Work of Great Depth

For the longest time, scholars believed that Troy was a mythological place, but recent archeological excavations have led many archeologists to believe that Troy really existed. Its remains are at Hisarlik, a city situated in modern-day Turkey.