April 23, 2013 | Theatre,

Check out these films, books & music related to AN ILIAD

FILMS

Troy (2005)

Basing its plotline on Homer’s Iliad (loosely, some may say), this high-budget Hollywood interpretation of the story stars Brad Pitt in the leading role of Achilles, fiercely attacking the walls of Troy. Complete with gruesome battle sequences and dizzying special effects, Troy offers a uniquely visual interpretation of this story of love, betrayal and the cost of war. Directed by Wolfgang Peterson, the star-studded cast also features Orlando Bloom, Diane Kruger, Eric Bana and Peter O’Toole.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Francis Ford Coppola’s modern war epic centering on the conflict in Vietnam has become one of the great contemporary classics. Army Captain Williard (Martin Sheen) is sent on an epic quest in the jungles of Cambodia with the goal of assassinating an American colonel named Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has been overcome by the horrors of the war surrounding him. Harshly realistic and oftentimes painful, Coppola provides a peek into the humanity and the violence one of the world’s most controversial and brutal wars.

300 (2006)

In a somewhat overwrought, but entirely enjoyable portrait of the Battle of Thermopylae, 300 gives a new perspective on ancient war. Shot in a highly stylized visual landscape sourced from the original graphic novel by Frank Miller, this questionably accurate account of the 300 Spartan warriors who fought to the death against the attacking King Xerxes features elongated swordfights, slow motion, a whole lot of fake blood and a ridiculous number of six-packs. Not for the faint of heart.

BOOKS

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

Reinterpreting the classic story of The Iliad, debut novelist Madeline Miller has received international acclaim for this literary, action-packed epic that in many ways “reinvents the wheel.” The age of gods and heroes is evoked by Miller in a story of war, tribulation and love, featuring the classic characters of Agamemnon, Helen, Hector, Priam, Hecuba and, of course, Achilles. With grace and wit, Miller shows us why this story has lasted more than 3,000 years.

Following the Sunday, April 28 matinee performance of An Iliad, Madeline Miller will be joined by David Elmer for “A Literary Look” on the epic poem in adaptation, co-sponsored with the Boston Book Festival.

The lliad  by Homer, Translated by Robert Fagles (1998)

This modern verse translation from award-winner Robert Fagles of Homer’s classic epic poem brings the original Iliad to life in a fresh and exciting way. Having stood the test of time and become one of the greatest foundations of literature, The Iliad brings to life the grittiness and specificity of the Trojan War on a truly epic scale. Re-visiting this quintessential story that has inspired the Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson stage adaptation is just as intriguing and visceral as when it was written nearly three millennia ago.

In Search of the Trojan War by Michael Wood (1998)

Based on archaeological finds on the site around the Trojan War, Michael Wood seeks evidence for the plausibility and legitimacy of many of the claims from The Iliad and other lore surrounding the epic war. Spotting many interesting and complicated spots in the original story, Wood wrestles with the wonder of the fantastical story and the hard, dusty facts of reality to try and make sense of what actually happened in the legendary Trojan War—if it happened at all.

MUSIC

La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach (2001)

Surprisingly humorous considering its source material, Offenbach’s take on the Helen of Troy myth allows room for comedy in this Romantic-era opera. Marc Minkowski conducts his orchestra with precision and clarity to highlight the ups and occasional downs of the stunning woman whose face launched 1,000 ships. Soprano Felicity Lott leads audiences on this light romp through ancient Troy before the tragedy sets in.

Musique de la Grece Antique performed by Atrium Musicae de Madrid (2000)

This collection of music from Ancient Greece immediately evokes images of old temples, age-old walls, or battles being fought on a field outside Troy. With a distinct rare beauty, modern musicians recreate the sounds of ancient times by replicating instruments from the time period and performing compositions as old as Homer’s tales. The sounds are simple and unique, yet quite dramatic, lending themselves to interpretation and re-imagination, particularly in light of An Iliad.

Songs of War by Simon Keenlyside & Malcolm Martineau (2011)

Famed British baritone singer Simon Keenlyside lends his voice to these Songs of War which have carried soldiers through many hard times. Including many English folk songs, this collection shows not only the power of carrying home to the front lines, but also includes some songs by soldiers themselves from their times in peril. Together, the old and new tunes reflect the fear, loss, and restlessness of the brave young men and women fighting for their country.