An Odyssey - Giorgos Gripeos, Reading of Homer’s Odyssey at Nieuw Dakota, Amsterdam, July 14 International Readers of Homer / EllinikoThεatro

An Odyssey - Giorgos Gripeos, Reading of Homer’s Odyssey at Nieuw Dakota, Amsterdam, July 14
International Readers of Homer / EllinikoThεatro

To register, go to www.eventora.gr/odyssey.

On June 14 at 12:00, Giorgos Gripeos’  installation “an odyssey” hosts a ten-hour public participatory reading of Homer’s Odyssey.

Composed in the 8th century BCE, this epic tale of a hero’s star-crossed journey home from war is among the handful of stories we’ve used to understand ourselves. In the migratory conditions of our times, the poem’s themes of displacement and loss, yearning for home and the trials of separation, remain as powerful and relevant as ever.

Produced by The International Readers of Homer and EllinikoTheatro, the reading invites participants of all ages and backgrounds to read a passage, each in their own way, one after another, until this great and magical poem is complete. Readers discover the joy of performing poetry, while audience members enjoy the lost pleasures of hearing this epic tale as it was originally told – out loud and at length. At a reading in Athens last year, a participant noted that it was “among the most moving – shall I say necessary? – of cultural experiences I’ve witnessed. Ever.”

For the Odyssey reading the Genetic Choir will perform 10 hours of live music, using their unique form of vocal instant composition.  Reminiscent of an ancient Greek Choir, the singers comment on, foretell and mirror the events of the story, reacting to the verbal rhythm of each reader. To capture and transmit a sense of the epic length of Odysseus' journey, the singers are a constant witness to the events and stay 'on board' from the first sentence to the last.

Participants are given three-minute passages from Emily Wilson’s celebrated new translation of the Odyssey – the first into English by a woman. They may read thispassage in English or in any other language of your choosing.

This is a free event and you may join anytime July 14 between 12:00-22:00.

The reading is part of the Over Het IJ Festival and will be live-streamed to the ferry connecting Westerdokdijk with the NDSM.

Location: Nieuw Dakota , Ms.van Riemsdijkweg 41b, 1033RC Amsterdam

To register, go to www.eventora.gr/odyssey.