THE SHOW
One actor. One hour. One man’s epic quest to reunite with his family and seek his bloody revenge.
Winner of The Stage ‘Best Solo Performer Award’ 2009, and nominated for a Total Theatre award for Innovation 2010, Ad Infinitum reinvent Homer’s timeless Greek myth. Passionate, highly physical, and poignant storytelling brings this breathtaking adventure to life.
Odyssey follows the Greek warrior Odysseus in his relentless attempt to get home so he can see his wife and son again before he dies. Up against the God Poseidon and his hurricanes; nymphs that sexually enslave him; countless characters, creatures and ferocious one-eyed monsters; whatever hardship he endures, Odysseus’ tough heart won’t give in. But after twenty year’s away from home will everything be as he left it…?
Passionate, highly physical, and poignant storytelling brings this breath taking adventure to life.
'Ad Infinitum have moved to the front of the pack'
The Guardian
★★★★
‘A love of storytelling, great physical movement and the power to hold an audience in the palm of his hand’
The Scotsman
★★★★
‘This tour de force of physical theatre is unmissable’
The Stage
The Odyssey is a masterclass in physical storytelling. George's energy and focus captivates audiences and provides a clear model of excellence.
The workshop then built further on this experience; Theatre Ad Infinitum's warm and friendly approach with students comes alongside rigour and high expectations.
They are devoted to passing on their passion for telling stories and make sure that everyone is just as spellbound in their learning as they are spellbound by the beautifully performed text. It really is a delight to work with people so physically aware because this care and attention then becomes infectious.
Phil Tattersall-King, Director of Drama and Dance at Bedales and Chair of the National Independent School's Drama Association
Odyssey is a devised adaptation performed by George Mann and directed by Nir Paldi:
“We wanted to create a dramatic and poetic piece that really works the imagination of the audience: being a one man show this was a big challenge. The magic, characters, spaces, colours, and whole islands are all created by George and I had to push hard to find the precise world of Homer’s Odyssey.” –Director, Nir Paldi
Since Edinburgh 2009, Odyssey has been touring the UK playing in venues such as The Corn Exchange, Theatre Royal Bath, The Lowry, Wales Millennium Centre, The Point Eastleigh, The Unity Liverpool and more; Odyssey continues to tour with Touring Schemes in the UK right through 2018. Ad Infinitum is also touring Odyssey internationally – Norway’s Literature Festival, Milan’s Teatro La Campanella, Italy. Odyssey has toured nationally in Norway and has been performed in Toronto, Canada.
★★★★
THE SCOTSMAN
★★★★
THE STAGE
★★★★★
EDINBURGH GUIDE
“Having seen 'Odyssey' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at a local theatre (Unity Theatre) I was delighted to be able to book a performance of Odyssey to be held at our school for students their families, local community and staff.
I can't recommend this show highly enough. In fact our previous head teacher enjoyed the show so much she said she wished it could have been possible for every student in school to see the show. It was simply stunning.
Odyssey is perfect for students of any age studying theatre. I find it particularly enables young people to be able to understand how one actor unaided by sound effects or theatrical effects can captivate an audience. It's also inspirational for students to see how professionals can use the space that they usually perform in.
We really enjoyed the workshop on mime, it provided a good level of challenge for students but was accessible to all. I still use exercises from this in my own teaching. Immediately after seeing the show many students have felt inspired to work in a similar style as they can now understand and appreciate the power of storytelling and mime".
Layla Dowie, Wirral Grammar School for Girls
THE COMPANY
Ad Infinitum (formerly Theatre Ad Infinitum) is an international ensemble based in Bristol, developing new and original theatre. Founded in 2007, Ad Infinitum is led by Co-Artistic Directors, Nir Paldi and George Mann.
We create shape-shifting socio-political theatre to provoke, move and inspire. Through innovative storytelling and bold experimental styles, we make something completely different with each new production. Our theatre draws upon the power of the body, engages audiences with urgent issues, and ignites passionate debate.
Co-written by George Mann and Nir Paldi
Director: Nir Paldi
Performer: George Mann
Costume Designer: Clare Amos
Lighting Designer: Peter Harrison
Publicity Design: Extra Strong
Press/PR: Mobius Industries
Voice Coaching: Tess Dignan
TOURING INFORMATION
Company: 1 x performer, 1 x technician
Running Time: 70mins
Age Guidance: 10 +
Get in: approx 4 hours with pre-rigged light, approx 6 hours including rigging
Requirements: Black Box Masking. No set. No Sound.
Performance area: min 2m x 2m circular space in which all lights centralise, though not a sharp circle, but a circular area made using soft focus lighting.
Depth: if stage is very deep, we prefer to reduce the depth using a black back drape/curtain for example, and possibly wings for the sides if it’s very wide in black cloth to create a more focused playing area around performer.
Overhead rig approx. 2 x Profiles, 20 x Fresnels (possible to mix with Pars too) with barn doors depending on space (16-20 x Channels should be enough).
WORKSHOPS
Accompanying workshops are available. Please request more information via email (more info below).
CONTACT FOR TOURING & AVAILABILITY
We are currently touring Odyssey across schools and venues from mid September to October 2018 as well as May and June 2019.
To book a performance of Odyssey please email our Senior Producer, Emily Williams: emily@ad-infinitum.org
Fee: upon request
awards
The Stage Award for Best Solo Performer 2009
The Small Scene Theatre Festival Audience Award, Rjeka, Croatia 2011
Shortlisted for a Total Theatre Award for Innovation 2010
Official Fringe Sell-Out Show 2009
Mervin Stutters Pick of the Fringe 2009/10
Photography: John Rankin
Trailer: Catarina Sartori