AlmeidaTheatre to Present THE ODYSSEY

Homer's The Odyssey, staged on Thursday 12 November throughout London, and directed by the Almeida's Artistic Director, Rupert Goold and Associate Director, Robert Icke, concludes the theatre's groundbreaking season: Almeida Greeks. This one-off reading will feature over 40 actors and artists, who will be announced shortly, and will be live-streamed online from a variety of unusual locations across the capital, with some opportunities for audiences to join the action live at particular points on location.

The Odyssey follows the huge success of The Iliad. Involving 66 actors reciting 18,255 lines of text, The Iliad reached an audience of over 50,000 people across the world, watching online, or in person at the British Museum and the Almeida Theatre.

To follow the live journey of The Odyssey from 9am on Thursday 12 November, please go to www.almeida.co.uk/odyssey or to join in the conversation on Twitter go to @AlmeidaTheatre and for live commentary of the text follow @AlmeidaOdyssey.

Rupert Goold, Artistic Director, Almeida Theatre said "We're delighted with the energy and momentum garnered by Almeida Greeks: new productions, vibrant readings, workshops and special events, and hundreds of actors and creatives coming together to boldly re-interpret the Greeks for audiences in our theatre, in the West End and online around the world. Essential plays made urgent by the most exciting artists: it's what we at the Almeida are all about."

Robert Icke, Associate Director, Almeida Theatre said "We've been thrilled by how hungry audiences have proved for a big Greek feast: packed houses at the Almeida, standing room only to hear The Iliad, and a West End transfer for Oresteia. It's been thrilling to meet so many of these texts in the flesh - and to learn about them holistically. The surprise pleasure for me was The Iliad: a very 2015 affair - a special one-off event, streamed live online - but also in its duration, its democratic inclusivity, and its relentless narrative drive, remarkably Homeric."

Almeida Greeks has been an epic celebration of the Ancient Greek canon. Alongside major productions of Oresteia, Bakkhai and Medea, the theatre has staged an ambitious festival, inspired by the ancient festivals of Dionysos, including events, talks and readings, running until November 2015.

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