Odysseus:
A Rap Retelling of Homer’s Odyssey
Odysseus is Greek-Australian poet and rap artist, Luka Lesson’s groundbreaking theatrical retelling of Homer's epic, fusing ancient Greek storytelling with contemporary hip-hop and spoken word. Performed with live orchestra and choir, this production bridges 3,000 years of human history, making classical mythology fresh and accessible for modern audiences.
Odysseus transforms the hero's journey into a visceral exploration of exile, refugee displacement, homecoming, and identity. With a premiere planned for the coming year, this is epic poetry reimagined—where ancient wisdom meets the pulse of today's streets, creating an unforgettable musical and theatrical experience that resonates across generations and cultures.
Odysseus is planned for International Premiere in 2027
The Odysseus Vision
The long-term vision for Odysseus is to perform the project in an Ancient Greek theatre in Athens, Greece - the country of Luka Lesson’s ancestors.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (more commonly known as the Herodeon) is an amphitheatre built in the year 161AD by the famous Athenian benefactor: Herodes Atticus after whom the theatre got its name. He built it in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla. The theatre rests on the southwestern slopes of the Acropolis and is one of the worlds oldest and prestigious theatres.
About 100 years after it was built the theatre was severely damaged during the invasion of Athens by Heruli, and subsequently it fell into disrepair.
In 1952, once Greece had regained it’s independence from the Ottoman empire, the city decided to restore the theatre to its former glory. In 1955 it was opened again and since then greats such as Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas, Giorgos Dalaras, Mikis Theodorakis and Sting have all performed there. The venue itself is just as much of the star attraction as the performers that grace its stage.