The National Theatre’s multi-location, five-episode production of The Odyssey began its journey March 30, opening with Gabriella Gay's The Lotus Eaters in Restoke in Stoke-on-Trent. 

The first four episodes are created and performed by local artists and communities in four partner organizations across England: Restoke in Stoke-on-Trent (performances ended April 2), Cast in Doncaster (April 15-16), Trowbridge Town Hall in Trowbridge (April 22-23), and The Fire Station (for Sunderland Culture in partnership with Sunderland Empire) in Sunderland (April 28-29). 

The final episode will be performed on the Olivier stage at the National Theatre August 26-28.

Marking the fifth anniversary of Public Acts—the NT’s nationwide program to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community—the lead creative team for The Odyssey includes Director of Public Acts Emily Lim; playwright and lyricist Chris Bush, who is writing the final episode and serves as dramaturg for the first four episodes in collaboration with playwrights from across the country; and composer Jim Fortune, who is composing music for the fifth episode. 

Written by Gay, The Lotus Eaters is Restoke’s innovative take on Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey. The Lotus Eaters is a tale of resilience, a theme deeply personal to many of the show’s participants, who have overcome numerous challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction, to open a new chapter in their lives.

The Galley, a 10-meter ship crafted from bamboo, is journeying across the country alongside the productions and collecting messages of remembrance from local communities.

Director of Public Acts at the National Theatre Lim said, “It's been so special to kickstart the journey of The Odyssey with our friends in Stoke. Their beautiful, important piece is a love song to the everyday heroes within their community. We have loved watching audiences meet our ancient story told with such heart and newness by this amazing company.”

For more information, click here. Check out photos from The Lotus Eaters below.

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Photos: See National Theatre's Multi-Location Production of The Odyssey

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