With performances scheduled for September 19-22 and 26-29 at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex (Poe House), Fayetteville, The Odyssey promises to be a must-see theatrical event that will leave a lasting impression. Don't miss your chance to experience this classic story like never before.
The production of The Odyssey will captivate audiences with its original script and fresh take on this classic tale. Adapted by the talented Merlyn Q. Sell, the story follows the epic journey of King Odysseus as he struggles to find his way home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Meanwhile, his devoted wife Penelope fends off a horde of persistent suitors vying for her hand and the throne.
Penelope's unwavering faith in Odysseus' return drives her to devise an ingenious plan, weaving an elaborate burial shroud by day and secretly unraveling it by night to stall for time. Their son, Telemachus, also embarks on his own quest to locate his missing father.
This timeless tale of homecoming and the meaning of family receives a fresh, innovative treatment from Sweet Tea Shakespeare. Audiences can expect the company's signature style, including cast doubling, personal storytelling, whimsical characters and dialogue, and integrated music.
Through Odysseus’ trials and tribulations, the play explores the complexities of human nature, the challenges of leadership, and the dedication of relationships and the love of family. The epic’s enduring appeal lies in its portrayal of the human spirit’s indomitable nature and the universal themes of homecoming, identity, and the search for meaning and purpose in life – all wrapped in a tale of adventure.
Merlyn Q. Sell is the Artistic Director for Black Hills Community Theatre in Rapid City, South Dakota. She has worked in theatre for roughly eighteen years in various capacities, most as a director and playwright. Sell interpreted the story in a way that encourages the audience to think deeply about the meaning of home.
“The story focuses on the idea of home, but I investigate the idea that when we think of home, it is more than just a geographical place - it is also people, sometimes about a particular time in our lives, certain tastes or smells, etc. So, I hope this might make the audience think a little deeper about what home really is to them and how valuable it can be. And, of course, there are a lot of funny bits, so the audience gets a good belly laugh or two,” Sell shares.
The Odyssey is not just a tale of adventure; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, a celebration of the power of stories to process our feelings and access new perspectives.
“I believe in the importance of stories as a way for us to process feelings and access new perspectives, and I love being a part of that - and more selfishly, as a performer, there is nothing more satisfying than making an audience laugh,” Sell adds.
As attendees delve into the rich tapestry of The Odyssey, they will be amazed by the vivid imagery, the complex characters and the masterful use of language. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to transcend time and culture, touching the hearts and minds of readers across the ages. Sell promises to bring that to the stage.
Don’t miss this chance to experience Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s signature blend of traditional storytelling and contemporary flair. With drinks, snacks, and the support of the community partners—The Capitol Encore Academy, Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, and North Carolina Arts Council—this event promises a night of unforgettable theatre. This is an outdoor event.
For all dates and times and to purchase tickets, call 910-420-4383 or go to https://sweetteashakespeare.com/tickets/.