The Dead Puppet Society in Brisbane is set to put a spin on Homer’s Iliad with large-scale puppet characters and props.
Set against the epic violence of the Trojan War, Holding Achilles by David Morton will be a refreshing take on one of the ancient world’s best-known heroes, Achilles, and his relationship with Patroclus.
To make this a reality, the group is currently completing puppets and props for the new show, including a giant bear named Heracles, shields, bows, arrows and spears.
In an interview with ABC News, the Dead Puppet Society’s creative director, David Morton, detailed how it’s “been a treat” to be able to delve into Greek mythology and build puppets using laser-cut shapes of plywood, rubber and metal.
Head of fabrication, Savannah Mojidi, added that she spent weeks working on Achilles’ shield.
“It’s pretty cool, the design came from Homer’s Iliad which is a historical Greek document and once we traced it the laser cutter helped out engraving it,” she said.
“I’ve been making these props for months now; having them sitting on our tables in the workshop and then seeing them on stage coming to life will be exciting.”
The production will premiere as part of Brisbane Festival opening at QPAC on August 29.
Source: ABC News.
