Theater Review: An Iliad

Richard Baird as The Poet in "An Iliad"

“Every time I sing this song, I hope it’s the last time,” says the exhausted-looking Poet, dragging onto the stage a suitcase that looks as tired as he does.

He is award-winning actor Richard Baird, reprising the role of Greek poet Homer in the solo piece “An Iliad,” playing through April 10 at North Coast Repertory Theatre.

The poet is talking about the Trojan War (the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek states), but the topic is universal and that “last time” hasn’t come yet, nor has man managed to erase his addiction to the kind of rage that leads to murder and war. 

This version of the story (by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, translated by Robert Fagles) is updated with local references to Solana Beach and Nebraska, among other places. This Homer also has a taste for tequila, which he swigs from time to time. 

The reason for this war? Helen of Troy has been stolen by the Greeks, and they want her back.

“It’s always something, isn’t it?” comments Homer.

Much of the play is taken up with a description of the exploits of three men: Achilles (the Greek) and Hector (the Trojan), best warriors of their respective armies, and Patroclus, who grew up with Achilles after his father gave him to Achilles’ father Peleus.

It’s a long, grueling story. Wars tend not to end well, and this one is no exception.

The telling, however, is extraordinary. The script features occasional music composed and played by a Muse – Amanda Schaar – on the cello. Sometimes it echoes the action. At other times, it seems to spur the Poet on to continue the story. It’s excellently done, and most effective.

Baird holds audience interest with his personable way of delivering lines. And he does it all with three props: a ladder, a ghost light and a bench. My only suggestion would be to use a bit less wattage on that ghost light.

You really do feel he’s talking just to you. Even the recitation of 140-some wars (in order, mind you) down through the centuries – ending with Ukraine – inspires grief rather than boredom, and perhaps the urge to gather some friends together and talk about this.

For a world that can count only 11 years in its entire history when man was not at war, this may be the best we can hope for.

    

    

                 Richard Baird and Amanda Schaar in "An Iliad"

The details

“An Iliad” plays through April 10, 2022 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.

Shows: Wednesday at 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m,; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m,; Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Tickets: (858) 481-1055 or boxoffice@northcoastrep.org