A REVIEW: ‘An Iliad’ is worth a trip to Creede

Photo courtesy Creede Repertory Theatre  Lavour Addison in ‘An Iliad’ 

CREEDE — For many, the atrocities of war are all consuming. War has rocked this world since at least the 13th or 12th century BC when some historians believe the Trojan War raged against the city of Troy by the Achaeans (Greeks) after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus, king of Sparta, according to Greek mythology as noted in online encyclopedia Wikipedia. 

“The war is one of the most important events in Greek mythology and has been narrated through many works of Greek literature,” states Wikipedia. 

This conflagration was chronicled most notably in Homer’s “Iliad,” and while some historians argue to this day that the Trojan War never really happened visitors to the Creede Repertory Theatre have an opportunity to decide for themselves. 

“An Iliad” is one of three plays being produced in Seime Park just above downtown Creede and features the sole talents of actor Lavour Addison, who brilliantly portrays the purported conflicts of the days of Troy. His powerful persona could not be matched by many in this dramatic and emotional performance. 

CRT’s version of “An Iliad” was written by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, based on Homer’s book as translated by Robert Fagles and is directed by Betty Hart. 

“Why should you want to hear a story of isolation, a tale of woe, here in Creede, against the backdrop of the gorgeous mountain chain that surrounds us here?” Hart writes in the CRT 2021 program. “Because those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Are we, like the Poet, doomed to experience the worst of humanity over and over again, because we won’t learn?” 

Addison brilliantly memorized about 90 minutes of lines and delivers his dialogue with a powerful voice and perfectly timed action to portray the horrors of war even thousands of years ago. He is aided only by recorded reflections of scores of conflicts around the world since that time through today. 

“As the Poet shares the tale of the Trojan War, there is a heart that is breaking, not just for the Trojan War, but for our current world,” Hart wrote. “What might happen if we decided that war would no longer be tolerated? That war was no longer an option?” 

“An Iliad” contains some strong language and descriptions of war and violence so may not be suitable for all audiences. 

However, it is a spectacular production set against a backdrop of the San Juan mountains and is worthy of attendance. 

Masks are not currently required to attend productions in Seime Park and “box” seating provides ample social distancing. Up to four people may occupy a box which consists of a chalk-marked rectangle in the park’s grass. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and umbrellas are recommended for afternoon shows. 

For current schedule of all 2021 CRT events, visit www.creederep.org.


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