The Iliad or The Ghost of Achilles

Odysseus has returned home — the suitors are dead, Penelope and Telemachus restored to him, and peace should follow. Yet the war still lives inside him. As he journeys to his father’s house, Odysseus tries his old disguises, but before Laertes’ grief, every trick falters. For the first time in twenty years, he is simply a son — no hero, no king — seeking counsel and forgiveness.

But ghosts walk beside him. Achilles’ shadow looms large: the rival who chose death and glory where Odysseus chose survival. Now, facing his father, he wonders if he has truly come home. Between rage and remorse, pride and tenderness, the old warrior must ask the question no victory can answer: How does one return in mind, not just in body?

Drawing on The Odyssey, The Iliad, The Aeneid, and Jason and the Golden Fleece, this powerful retelling brings together the stories of fathers and sons, grief and legacy, and the cost of heroism. At its heart lies a single, timeless struggle — to lay down the sword and find peace after war.

A haunting, human story of homecoming and healing — Odysseus as you’ve never seen him before.

Please read this important information about events at Trebah:

• Doors will open 1 hour before the performance to allow time for you to make your way to the amphitheatre to take your seat and make use of Tree Bar to grab a pasty or ice cream! Please allow 20 minutes to walk to the amphitheatre.

• Doors close 15 minutes after the start time of the performance.

• This event takes place in our open-air amphitheatre, please be prepared for Cornish weather. Outdoor events will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, so please bring a coat! Umbrellas are not permitted as they obscure the view.

• With tiered seating and plenty of leg room, there’s no need to bring your own chairs (but a cushion is a good idea). Please be aware, that seating is unreserved. So for large parties and groups, please arrive in plenty of time if you would like seats together.

• A number of cushioned seats with back supports are available at the amphitheatre on a first-come-first-served basis.

• Our only toilets are within the Visitor Centre at the top of the garden.

• Free parking is available for all events.

· Trebah loves dogs but unfortunately they are unable to attend live performance events. Assistance dogs only please.

• We have a bar selling soft and alcoholic drinks, hot pasties and snacks. You are welcome to bring your own snacks.

· For a member ticket you must have a valid Trebah Membership. Reciprocal partnerships not valid.

• Due to the topography of the garden there is limited access to the amphitheatre, which may not be suitable for all types of mobility vehicles. We will do everything we can to make sure you can see the show but please call us on 01326 252205 before booking to discuss. If you have one of Trebah’s trampers reserved please arrive 1.5 hours before the performance starts to allow time for paperwork and journeying to the amphitheatre. You must reserve a tramper in advance, we are unable to supply them upon request on the night.
• For carer tickets, please call us on 01326252205.

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Host or Publisher Trebah Garden Trust