Linus & Almu – Greek Mythology

KWU Theatre is bringing ancient Greek mythology to the stage with its upcoming production, The Iliad, The Odyssey and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes. Combining comedy, action and drama, the fast-paced show challenges its cast to bring classic stories and dozens of characters to life in just 99 minutes. Among the performers are Linus, who plays Odysseus (plus other characters), and Almudena, who takes on several roles throughout the production.

Bringing Different Characters to Life

For Linus, playing Odysseus means portraying a character known for his loyalty and bravery.

“I would say he’s loyal and brave. He is like a wolf: he can survive alone, but he will also bleed for his pack,” Linus said.

Odysseus’s personality gives Linus an opportunity to explore the strength and loyalty of the legendary Greek hero. Meanwhile, Almudena faces a different challenge as she switches between nine characters, each with a distinct personality and purpose.

Her roles include Aphrodite, Wind, Parent of kidnapped daughter, Patroklos, Agenor, Tantalus, Calypso, Iris and Penelope. Although these characters differ from one another, Almudena has a particular connection to Aphrodite because of their shared personality traits.

“The character I play that I relate to the most is definitely Aphrodite because we are both very outgoing. We are both kind people. I would say we are both very, very sassy, but nonetheless, very empathetic,” Almudena said.

Her connection to Aphrodite allows her to bring aspects of her own personality to the stage while exploring the different qualities of the other characters she portrays. From Calypso’s flirtatious nature to Penelope’s loyalty as she waits for her husband for 20 years, each role requires Almudena to make distinct acting choices.

The Challenges Behind the Scenes

Preparing for the production requires dedication from both actors. Linus said the cast rehearses for approximately three to four hours every day. Watching movies and reading about Greek mythology have also helped him better understand the stories and prepare for his role.

One of his biggest challenges has been balancing Odysseus’s serious personality with the production’s comedic style.

“Odysseus is a very serious character, but the show is also a comedy, so finding that contrast between funny and serious scenes definitely took a lot of work,” Linus said.

For Almudena, managing the numerous costume changes and props has been one of the most difficult parts of preparing for the show. With so many characters to portray, organization and preparation are essential, especially when costume changes happen quickly.

The production also features a set that distinguishes the Greek and Trojan sides of The Iliad. With only nine actors portraying approximately 60 to 80 characters, the cast must use changes in appearance, posture and voice to help audiences recognize the different roles.

Finding Humor in Rehearsals

Although rehearsals require focus and hard work, they have also created plenty of funny moments. Almudena explained that the production is so comedic that cast members sometimes struggle to stay in character during rehearsals.

Unexpected acting choices can catch other performers off guard and make them laugh, even when they are supposed to remain serious. As rehearsals continue, the cast has been working on staying in character and avoiding laughter during scenes.

These moments reflect the production’s emphasis on comedy while highlighting the teamwork required to make the show successful. The actors must memorize lines, manage quick changes and remain flexible as they move between different characters and scenes.

An Invitation to the KWU Community

Both actors hope audiences leave the theatre entertained and with a better understanding of Greek mythology. Linus hopes viewers will learn about the myths while enjoying the humor throughout the performance.

“All actors worked together really hard these past couple weeks and created a show that has action, jokes, drama and a storyline worth telling!” Linus said.

Almudena also encourages students and community members to attend, even if they are unfamiliar with Greek mythology.

“Students should come and see this play because you don’t need to know anything about Greek mythology to understand it. That’s literally what the show is for,” she said.

With its fast-paced storytelling, numerous characters and comedic approach to classic myths, The Iliad, The Odyssey and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes offers audiences a chance to experience ancient stories in a new way. Through their performances, Linus and Almudena hope to make Greek mythology accessible, entertaining and memorable for the KWU community.