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QPAC

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall's Holding Achilles by David Morton

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Digital Stage

Rent Now

$25

Set against the epic violence of the Trojan War, Holding Achilles by David Morton is a refreshing take on one of the ancient world’s best-known heroes, and his relationship with Patroclus, his not so well-known lover.

This breathtaking new production from visual theatre masterminds Dead Puppet Society and physical theatre virtuosos Legs On The Wall reclaims the queer aspects of The Iliad. Set to a haunting new score performed live by Montaigne, composed with Tony Buchen and Chris Bear, this innovative new work blends heightened physicality and visual storytelling with an ensemble cast to weave a legend of mythic proportions. A tale of trials, grief and love – Holding Achilles is an epic tale about a fearless bond forged in the toughest of times.

As a young exile taken in by Achilles’ father, Patroclus faces hostility from the young hero until they are thrust together to train under the centaur Chiron, and the two form an unlikely friendship. As Achilles doggedly seeks to fulfil his mother’s prophecy to become a legend, their relationship becomes something more. But war with Troy is brewing, and the two young men find themselves caught between their hopes for a future together and the brutal realities of the world that faces them.

Schools access includes 40 student licences and a 60-day rental period $400

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Education Notes

Education notes include a range of activities to be used in the classroom both before and after the show. Inside you’ll find lots of practical and written activities that you can use and adapt for your students.

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Credits

Director and Co-Creator David Morton
Movement Director and Co-Creator Joshua Thomson
Music by Tony Buchen and Chris Bear with Montaigne
Music performed live by Montaigne
Cast Stephen Madsen, Karl Richmond, Ellen Bailey, John Batchelor, Lauren Jackson, Thomas Larkin, Nic Prior, Christy Tran, Jennifer Vuletic, Charles Ball
Creative Producer Nicholas Paine
Co-Designers (set) Anna Cordingley and David Morton
Designer (costume) Anna Cordingley
Lighting Design Ben Hughes
Sound Design Tony Brumpton
Rigging Design David Jackson
Puppet Design Dead Puppet Society
Dramaturg Louise Gough
Associate Director Matt Seery
Associate Producers James Beach and Lauren Eisinger
Technical Director Scott Barton
Head Rigger Byron Cleasby
Head of Fabrication Savannah Mojidi
Counterweight Johnas Liu
Production Stage Manager Lindsey Knight
Deputy Stage Manager Nicole Neil