Set sail for an adventure like no other, full of twists and turns.
Together we’ll meet indulgent Lotus Eaters and seductive Sirens who test our focus, and face terrifying monsters who test our wit and our courage. As we follow Odysseus on his journey, the ensemble reflects on choice and agency and the hero in all of us.
Two ensembles joined together at Chicago Shakespeare Theater for this re-imagining of the epic classic The Odyssey. The vibrant adaptation blends music, movement, shadow puppetry, and original scenes developed by the neurodiverse company, including 24 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Co-Directed by Braden Cleary & Katie Yohe
Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Christian Boyd, Jack Butler, Sandia Coleman, Alena Counter Brown, Sophie Earvolino, Gabe Felshman, Samuel Floersheimer, Ryan Foley, Peter Grzeslo, Erin Harvey*, Natalia Janik, Emily Kwidzinski, Matt La Chapelle, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matt Marren, Lucas Miezal, Claire O’Leary, Sam Radinsky, Jake Solworth, Lucy Walsh
Facilitators: Amy Bahr, Andrea Bazzoli*, Lewis Beaver, Audrey Connelly*, Kara Davidson, Shannon Diegel, Megan Gray, Marilyn Halperin, Paige Henderson, Chelsea Hosler, Jo Jennings, Edith Luckos*, Kate McDuffie, Jeanine Peters-Gillette*, Jenna Rapisarda, Liam Schlosser*, Margaret Sheils, Lindsay Stock
Stage Manager: Anna Vu
Music Consultant: Polly Yukevich
Puppet Consultant: Kara Davidson
The Odyssey was sponsored by Charcoalblue and Gail and Dennis Rossow.
A.B.L.E.’s 2023-2024 Season of Journeys was partially supported by grants from The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, FunFund, The Illinois Arts Council, Innovation 80, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and The National Endowment for the Arts, and generous individuals like you!
