Homer’s Odyssey is often claimed to be the great founding work of western literature. Three thousand years on, the story of Greek hero, Odysseus, and his epic journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War continues to inspire and enthral: shipwrecks and sirens, revenge and seduction, gods and mythical
creatures, it’s got it all.
A Midlands Odyssey is a collection of tales from the Odyssey, commissioned by Writing West Midlands and published by Nine Arches Press. Each tale has been set in the Midlands, and given new life by local writers.
In this unique event, introduced by writer and Classics specialist, Natalie Haynes, some of the commissioned writers perform their new tales live. This is a chance to encounter the likes of Telemachus, Nausicaa, Calypso and Laertes as you’ve never seen them before…
Natalie Haynes is a writer and broadcaster, and former stand-up comedian. Her first non-fiction book, The Ancient Guide to Modern Life, was serialised by The Times in 2010. Natalie’s series ‘Stand up for the Classics’ aired on BBC Radio 4 earlier this year and her first novel, The Amber Fury, was published in April.
This event is produced in partnership with the Classics Department of the University of Birmingham. Sponsored by the University of Birmingham. www.birmingham.ac.uk