Australian actor David Wenham is planning a national tour of his contemporary retelling of Homer’s The Iliad after a sold-out Sydney run [1].
The production marks a significant shift in Wenham's professional trajectory, as he uses the ancient text to evolve his acting methodology and explore the costs of war [2].
Performed at the Sydney Theatre Company, the production ran for 100 minutes [3]. The show aimed to provide a modern twist on the epic poem, focusing on the consequences of conflict [4]. While some reports described the show as a solo performance [3], others noted the presence of performer Helen Svoboda [5].
Critics praised the production's ability to blend ancient storytelling with modern sensibilities. A reviewer for The Guardian said the production "captures the dark magic of masterful oral storytelling" [5]. The Sydney Morning Herald provided a five-star review, stating, "We go to theatre in the hope of a night like this, where the words flare like fireworks, and insights become revelations" [3].
Wenham said his approach to acting has changed through the development of this piece [1]. The sold-out status of the April 2026 run suggests strong public interest in the adaptation [5].
The upcoming national tour will bring the production to various cities across Australia, extending the reach of the Sydney Theatre Company's interpretation of the Greek classic [1].
“this take on The Iliad captures the dark magic of masterful oral storytelling”
The transition of this production from a limited Sydney run to a national tour indicates a commercial viability for high-concept, minimalist adaptations of classical texts. Wenham's public shift in acting methodology suggests a move toward more physically and vocally demanding solo work, reflecting a broader trend in contemporary theatre to strip away spectacle in favor of oral storytelling.
