In a wildly theatrical, totally modern interpretation that captures all of the passion and spirit of Homer's Iliad, renowned writer and director Lillian Groag (A.C.T.'s The Rivals) reignites the wrath of Greek warrior Achilles against his archrival, Agamemnon. Adapted from lauded contemporary poet Christopher Logue's ravishing translation that was 45 years in the making, War Music is a large-scale, visionary fusion of language, music, and movement as only A.C.T. can create.
In addition to an ensemble cast of A.C.T.'s finest actors, War Music features the talents of award-winning set designer Dan Ostling (Argonautika, Metamorphoses) and celebrated opera, ballet, and Broadway choreographer Daniel Pelzig—complete with an original score by John Glover.
Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes. There will be one 15-minute intermission.
"Brilliantly original, consummately crafted . . . it is poetry that shines with greatness." —Los Angeles Times
Made possible by
Donors to
Glory, Poetry, Immortality: A Special Preview of War Music
March 8, 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a special free event with Mark Danner, internationally acclaimed war correspondent and journalist; Lillian Groag, the creative force behind War Music; and University of California, Davis classicist and leading Homer scholar Seth Schein.
Koret Prologue*
March 31, 5:30 p.m.
Get inside the artistic process—come early for a preperformance discussion with the director and a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
Koret Audience Exchanges*
April 7, 7 p.m.
April 15, 2 p.m.
April 19, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors, moderated by a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
OUT with A.C.T.
April 15, 8 p.m.
LGBT night at A.C.T. features a catered afterparty and a cast meet and greet. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for more information about how to subscribe to OUT nights.
*Discussions are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling). To subscribe to the full season ($70), call 415.749.2250.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Elizabeth Brodersen, Publications Editor
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Dan Rubin, Publications & Literary Associate
Lesley Gibson, Publications & Literary Intern
Adobe Reader is required to view A.C.T. publications.
"What inspired me the most about Christopher Logue's version of the Iliad is that it is visceral, immediate, and truly funny, without ever minimizing the monumental thrust of the story. This is astonishing language that lifts off the page and dances and sings."
—Lillian Groag, War Music director
Considered by many to be Britain’s greatest living poet, Christopher Logue is an antiwar protester who never studied Greek, but for the past 45 years he has been bringing Homer's poetry—in all its bloody glory—to life for modern readers. A.C.T.'s Words on Plays explores his fascinating work and life here (PDF).
Get a behind-the-scenes look at this groundbreaking world premiere over three years in the making at A.C.T. This exclusive video features candid interviews with the show’s creators and explores the heart and soul of this phenomenal theatrical event.
Award-winning composer John Glover created an original score for War Music featuring an epic range of musical styles and themes. Sample the beautiful sounds that will accompany A.C.T.'s world premiere production below.
A.C.T.'s War Music": Poetry Onstage
Jean Schiffman, SFArts.org Click on the above link and navigate to the bottom left bar
on the website to access the War Music article.
Buy Tickets
"What inspired me the most about Christopher Logue's version of the Iliad is that it is visceral, immediate, and truly funny, without ever minimizing the monumental thrust of the story. This is astonishing language that lifts off the page and dances and sings."
