Warning
Adult themes including references to acts of attempted suicide, theatrical effects including haze, smoke, loud music and strobe lighting.
Playhouse, QPAC
Must close 10 Sep
$49 - $59
A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.
2 hours 20 minutes
(including interval, subject to change without notice)
Photography Joel Devereux, artwork by Jacob Brewer
A world premiere production as part of Brisbane Festival
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.
Holding Achilles charts a new theatrical landscape.
- The Australian
This is the sort of work you go to a festival to see… something daring, something risky, something inspirational.
- The Courier-Mail
This astounding collaboration weaves a moving, epic tale of love and war, with physical feats and technical wizardry
- Limelight
Legs On The Wall ... physical performance ... with an Aussie cultural identity and a fearless bravado.
- City Hub
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
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
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Important Information
Age Recommendation
Recommended for ages 12 and over.
Accessibility at QPAC
For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility .
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Presented by QPAC and Brisbane Festival.
Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall's Holding Achilles by David Morton.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Glass Half Full Productions together with Bristol Old Vic and Northampton Royal and Derngate in the UK.