Classic Greek myth brought to the stage in Glasgow

A passionate and energetic solo show re-imagining a classic Greek myth is set to be performed in Glasgow.
Ewan Downie performs the solo show Achilles at CCA Glasgow, from May 7-9.  (Photo: Brian Hartley)Ewan Downie performs the solo show Achilles at CCA Glasgow, from May 7-9.  (Photo: Brian Hartley)
Ewan Downie performs the solo show Achilles at CCA Glasgow, from May 7-9. (Photo: Brian Hartley)

Achilles, by Ewan Downie, weaves together ancient Greek song, text and movement.

It tells the story of the greatest hero of the Greeks during the Trojan War – how his best friend is killed by the champion of the Trojans, his desperate grief, and his terrible vengeance.

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The 2019 tour follows sell-out performances at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe, Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre and the manipulate Visual Theatre Festival.

Ewan, who performed in Song of the Goat Theatre’s Fringe First and Herald Archangel winning Song of Lear, said: “I’ve been fascinated by the Greek myths since an early age, and in particular by the story of Achilles.

“His rage at the killing of his best friend, his failure to face his grief, and his bloody revenge have always struck me as deeply disturbing and at the same time deeply human.

“We live in a time where the public display of rage is a daily sport. Achilles shows us where this particular rabbit hole goes.

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“When we snuff out our empathy and give primacy to our hurt emotions, each one of us is capable of great destruction.

“The piece has been made in layers, laid down like sediment over time, and although the layers relate to each other, they don’t necessarily give the same perspective on the story.

“I’ve tried to leave gaps for the imagination, for the audience to fill in their own versions of the story.”

The show is presented by Company of Wolves, Scotland’s only laboratory theatre company, led by co-artistic directors Ewan Downie and Anna Porubcansky.

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Ewan is an acclaimed performer, writer, director and teacher with a lifelong interest in creativity and human behaviour.

Anna is a musician and performer whose training includes classical, traditional and choral singing, natural voice and vocal anatomy.

Achilles is at CCA Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street, from Tuesday, May 7, to Thursday, May 9, with performances beginning at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the box office on 0141 352 4900 or online at CCA Glasgow