The personal and the political collide in Tim Price’s powerful, epic re-telling of the 1984 Miners’ Strike, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey.
“So. Man of many turns. Tell us your story. From the beginning.”
Heartfelt, passionate and moving, Odyssey ’84 tells of the adventures our ideals take us on. As the strike and the stand-off with the British Government begin, miner John O’Donnell (Odysseus) finds himself thrust into a fight for survival, taking him far from South Wales. Meanwhile, at home, his wife Penny (Penelope) goes on her own epic personal journey whilst striving to support her community. When they are finally reunited, not only has the world around them changed, but so have they.
Sherman Theatre Artistic Director Joe Murphy (Housemates, Tales of the Brothers Grimm) directs an exceptional cast including Rhodri Meilir as O’Donnell and Sara Gregory as Penny. With a sensational set and a soundtrack of 80s tunes, Odyssey ’84 promises a spectacular theatre experience to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the most tumultuous chapters in our recent history. Odyssey ’84 is a soaring hymn to the power of community and the true meaning of solidarity.
For this spectacular production, our professional cast will be joined on stage by members of Sherman Players, our non-professional ensemble:
Willow Craig, Trystan Davies, Morgan Dawkins, Daniel De Gruchy, Cata Lindergaard, Osian Lloyd, Nuala Lomax, Charlie McCollom-Cartwright, Cerys Morgan, Michael Morgan, Zak Peterffy, and Jed Sheahan.
Three things to know about Odyssey ‘84
- Odyssey ’84 shines a light on the international support the miners received as well as the role women played in the stand-off with the British government.
- The play is inspired by Ancient Greek poet Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey – a story that has resonated down the ages and always has something to say about our lives. The colossal, sweeping scale of The Odyssey is the perfect backdrop for this story of two people searching for their home, their purpose and their community. Many of the poem’s celebrated moments are thrillingly re-imagined in the drama. In Homer’s poem, Odysseus is at the whim of the gods. In Odyssey ’84, O’Donnell and Penny are at the mercy of other powerful forces outside of their control which are a lot closer to home.
- 1984 might feel like a long time ago but the legacy and impact of the Miners’ Strike is felt and can be seen all around us. Odyssey ’84 helps us understand how we got to where we are now from that moment in our history. Tim Price describes the Miners’ Strike as ‘the defining moment in modern Welsh history as the final great stand-off between the working people and the state’.
The performances from 11 to 14 October are Pay What You Want. Bookings for Pay What You Want performances are subject to a maximum of 9 tickets per booking. Additional discounts do not apply to these performances.
BSL interpretation by Tony Evans (17 October, 7.30pm and 24 October, 7.30pm).
Audio Description by Erika James (22 October, 7.30pm). Touch tour at 6.30pm – book the touch tour here.
Wynford Jones & Geoff Cripps formerly of The Chartists:
On Saturday 19 October, Odyssey ’84 audiences will be treated to live folk music in our Studio. Matinee audiences can enjoy them play after the show, from 4.30pm to 5.15pm. They’ll also be playing before the evening performance (6.15pm – 7pm).
School offers and workshops:
A visit to Odyssey ‘84 will provide a unique way for learners to explore contemporary Welsh history and a pivotal moment in global politics and economics. As such, we are offering schools and colleges a number of ways to creatively engage with the production.
To learn more about the offers and workshop packages, please click here.
Streic! 84-85 Strike!
1984: The year Margaret Thatcher took on the mining communities.
A summer of hope and high-spirited defiance leading to a winter of violence, hardship, loss of livelihoods – and ultimately life – across some of Wales’ hardiest communities.
Forty years later, the effect of the Miners’ Strike lives on. From photos and placards of protest to personal stories of comradeship in their clash against a rapidly changing world, this important exhibition opens the door on the Miners’ Strike and its profound impact upon our nation.
Experience the passion and tension of the protest, in close up at National Museum Cardiff. 26 October 2024 – 27 April 2025.
Get your tickers here.
