29 Aug—10 Sep
Holding Achilles
Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre present
The other half of the legend.
World Premiere
Set against the violence of the Trojan War, Holding Achilles by David Morton is a refreshing take on one of the ancient world’s best-known heroes, and his relationship with Patroclus, his not so well-known lover.
As a young exile taken in by Achilles’ father, Patroclus faces hostility from the young hero until they are thrust together to train under the centaur Chiron, and the two form an unlikely friendship. As Achilles doggedly seeks to fulfil his mother’s prophecy to become a legend, their relationship becomes something more. But war with Troy is brewing, and the two young men find themselves caught between their hopes for a future together and the brutal realities of the world that faces them.
This breathtaking new production from visual theatre masterminds Dead Puppet Society and physical theatre virtuosos Legs On The Wall reclaims the queer aspects of The Iliad.
Featuring powerful visuals, daring aerial work, exquisite puppetry and breathtaking costumes interwoven with a technically astounding set design, audiences will be blown away by the incredible world as it’s painted right before their eyes.
Set to a haunting new score performed live by Montaigne, composed with Tony Buchen, Chris Bear and Montaigne, this innovative new work blends heightened physicality and visual storytelling with an ensemble cast to weave a legend of mythic proportions.
A tale of trials, grief and love — Holding Achilles is an epic story about a fearless bond forged in the toughest of times.
By David Morton
Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall
ARTISTIC CREDITS
Director and Co-Creator David Morton
Movement Director and Co-Creator Joshua Thomson
Creative Producer Nicholas Paine
Composers Tony Buchen, Chris Bear and Montaigne
Co-Designers (set) Anna Cordingley and David Morton
Designer (costume) Anna Cordingley
Lighting Design Ben Hughes
Sound Design Tony Brumpton
Rigging Design David Jackson
Puppet Design Dead Puppet Society
Dramaturg Louise Gough
Associate Director Matt Seery
Associate Producers James Beach and Lauren Eisinger
Technical Director Scott Barton
Head Rigger Byron Cleasby
Head of Fabrication Savannah Mojidi
Counterweight Johnas Liu
Production Stage Manager Lindsey Knight
Deputy Stage Manager Nicole Neil
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Glass Half Full Productions together with Bristol Old Vic and Northampton Royal and Derngate in the UK.
Photo by Joel Devereux, artwork by Jacob Brewer.
Price
$39 - $59 + Booking fee
Times
Previews: Mon 29 Aug-Thu 1 Sep, 7:30pm
Opening Night: Fri 2 Sep, 7:30pm
Matinees: Wed 7 Sept, 11am; Sat 10 Sept, 1pm
Evenings: Tue-Wed 6:30pm, Thu-Sat 7:30pm
Duration
2 hrs 30 minutes (including interval)
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
Assistive listening systems available
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The man I loved beyond all other comrades, loved as my own life.
#Artists
Dead Puppet Society
Dead Puppet Society creates deeply imaginative design-led theatre, public art and sculpture, combining timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Best known for their works Holding Achilles, Ishmael, The Wider Earth and Laser Beak Man
Legs on the Wall
Legs On The Wall is defined by daring, awe, heart and calculated risk. Its artists craft stories through a teaming of aerial, dance, theatre, circus and other art forms. With a renewed focus on telling powerful stories with physical metaphors.
#Partners
