Woodlands Academy to stage adaptation of 'The Odyssey'

The Theatre Program at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart will present its fall play, "Anon(ymous)," by Naomi Iizuka in the Susan Saint James Performing Arts Center at the school, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest. Show times are 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9.

"'Anon(ymous),' while funny in moments, engages with the plight of war victims and refugees," Woodlands Academy Theater Director Sarah Grunnah said.

"It tells the story of a young person trying to forge an identity for himself without a place he calls home. The play is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey,' though knowing 'The Odyssey' is not a prerequisite to seeing 'Anon(ymous).'

"I selected this play because the story it tells is relevant to our students," Grunnah said. "I believe the purpose of theater is to engage audiences in different issues, and possibly even change how they think about the world."

This Woodlands Academy production is truly a collaborative effort. Art students designed and created the set; developed images that will be projected on a large scrim; made shadow puppets; and even created a short animation for the play.

Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and can be purchased online at woodlandsacademy.org (click on "The Arts" tab and then the play's name). Advance tickets also are available by calling the school, (847) 234-4300.

For more information about Woodlands Academy, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

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