Road Less Traveled Productions Opens AN ILIAD Tonight

Up next for Road Less Traveled Productions during its 10th Anniversary 2013-14 season is An Iliad by Denis O'Hare & Lisa Peterson, a contemporary retelling of the epic poem depicting the Trojan War. The script, rife with commentary on what it means to be a nation at war, will have its Western New York premiere (including new original score by Al Kryszak) at the Road Less Traveled Theater this month.

Starring RLTP Ensemble Member Matt Witten and directed by David Oliver, this play is a one-man tour de force that takes viewers through a world filled with bloody encounters between heroes, the bonds of honor and the machinations of the meddling gods. Many important players from this mythological conflict come to life on the stage, including Homer, the bard credited with passing on the earliest version of this story.

"It's simply great drama," said Oliver, who's quick to point out the demanding nature of this script on an actor. "It's an ancient story that is presented with parallels to the modern era, and gives its anti-war message a great depth and longevity." This version of An Iliad includes various contemporary interpretations of the action, depicting the brutal Trojan War through a modern day lens. "This is not a relaxed story," Oliver said. "The challenge is expressing such big confrontations and multi-character situations and being constantly in control of all the elements."

An Iliad opens tonight, March 7th and runs through Sunday, March 30th, and will be produced at the Road Less Traveled Theater in the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre. Tickets are $35 general admission and $17 for students. Student tickets for Mighty Taco Talkback Thursday performances are only $5 (with college ID). Groups of 10 or more may also apply for group discounts. You may order tickets online (www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org), by calling (716) 629-3069 or by visiting the RLTP box office during the 30 minutes prior to any performance.

Student Matinees are available Wednesday March 12th & 19th at 10:00am. Please call (716) 629-3069 for details or to reserve seating.