Calypso at Water Works Park

“Calypso,” a play with music based on Homer’s “The Odyssey,” performs this July at Water Works Park, presented through the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board. Performances are free and no reservations are required, although donations are accepted.

The story follows the lonely Calypso, trapped on an island with only the god Hermes as an occasional visitor. When Odysseus washes ashore, she experiences companionship for the first time and finds she cannot go back to living alone. “Calypso” takes a minor character from a classic story and gives her a full-fledged narrative, spinning her story into a tale about first love and the myths which we choose to remember.

Minneapolis Downtown Parks are thrilled to be partnering with Jordan Muschler and “Calypso” in providing essential support for rehearsal and space for performances. This collaboration invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy free outdoor theater set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mississippi River. Audiences can immerse themselves in the enchanting sounds of the river while experiencing the narrative of “Calypso,” evoking the island atmosphere where the play unfolds.

Minneapolis is the final stop of a three-city, two-country tour for “Calypso,” which received its world premiere as the headline show in the Greek Revival Theatre Festival as part of Stone and Sky’s Music and Art Series on Pelee Island, before playing in Windsor at SHO Studios.

The play runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Showtimes are July 20th and 26th at 7 PM and July 21st at 2 PM, with a rain date on July 28th at 2 PM.