An Iliad

A wry, witty and world-weary poet steps forward to recount the myth of the Trojan War, cursed to retell humanity’s greatest conflict until we finally learn to overcome our appetite for violence and destruction.

After millennia wandering battlefields, trenches and ruined cities, he has reached breaking point. Tonight, he wants the story to end.

Following its sold-out season at Sydney Theatre Company, award-winning international star David Wenham returns to this extraordinary role in this critically admired adaptation of Homer’s epic. Ancient myth collides with the modern world in a powerful, deeply personal meditation on conflict, compassion and what it means to remain human.

Directed by Damien Ryan (Artistic Director, Sport for Jove) and accompanied live on stage by musician Helen Svoboda, this is a rare opportunity to experience Wenham’s magnetic performance up close. Hailed by Time Out New York as “shocking, glorious, primal and deeply satisfying”, An Iliad is an unforgettable theatrical event and a stirring call for empathy in a world still at war.

***** “We’ll be talking about this play for years to come” THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

“Theatre ‘just doesn’t get any better than this’” THE AUSTRALIAN

***** “This masterclass in storytelling taps theatre’s ancient roots in the bardic tradition to stirring effect.” LIMELIGHT

CONTENT
Suitable for ages 14+

RUN TIME
100 minutes no interval.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a subscriptions package.

Package 4-6 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on show and SAPRK program.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 6 February, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 8 February, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance)

Captioned Performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Wednesday, 10 February, 11.00am
Wednesday, 10 February, 6.30pm

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Wednesday 11am, 10 February
– Monday 6:30pm, 15 February

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2027 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 10 February, 10.00am (pre-show tea and coffee), 11.00am (performance)

School groups can book students into the following matinee performances:

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• • Wednesday 10 February 11:00am

Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a Teacher Subscription

Venue Access

This show will be performed at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

The recommended Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre drop off zone is at the northern end of the Riverbank Footbridge on War Memorial Drive (walk across the Footbridge to Dunstan Playhouse) or at the Intercontinental Hotel (walk north between the Intercontinental Hotel and Railway Station along the laneway to the Riverbank). There is also a drop off area and two accessible car spaces on lower Festival Drive, accessible from the west via Montefiore Road.

Getting to the Venue

Adelaide Festival Centre is easily accessible by public transport, including the tram (stop at Railway Station), trains, buses and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace.

For more information visit https://adelaidemetro.com.au/

For information about parking near the Adelaide Festival Centre, please click here.

Dining Options

Malt Shovel Taphouse
Located at the Adelaide Festival Centre at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge
Open Wednesday 3pm-11pm and Thursday – Sunday 11.30am-late

The Strathmore Hotel
Located 5 minutes from the Dunstan Playhouse at 29 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Open 7 days, 11am – 3am