The Odyssey: Episode 4 - The Island of the Sun

Presented by The Fire Station (for Sunderland Culture in partnership with Sunderland Empire Theatre), written by Lindsay Rodden

An epic tale of stormy seas, mythical monsters and vengeful gods.

Our hero’s quest for home is full of hope, gritty determination and the Mackem soul.

On a midsummer night, in a city by the sea, hear the story of a ragged band of sailors and their captain Odysseus as they travel on their long, perilous journey home.

Gripping and enchanting, The Island of the Sun is a contemporary take on a key chapter of Homer’s The Odyssey written by Lindsay Rodden and directed by Annie Rigby.

The Island of the Sun sees the National Theatre team up with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire for the retelling of this classic tale performed by community members from across Sunderland.

About Sunderland Culture

Sunderland Culture’s mission is to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture. To do so, they want to bring about an improved profile and reputation of the city; a more vibrant creative economy; raised outlook and aspiration of young people; improved health and wellbeing; and a more socially cohesive city.

Sunderland Empire is one of the North East’s leading theatres welcoming in excess of 300,000 visitors each year from across the North East and further afield to an array of West End spectaculars, opera and ballet, productions, leading comedians, concerts and family shows including the annual pantomime. Managed by the world’s largest theatre company Ambassador Theatre Group, Sunderland Empire is passionate about bringing live experiences to the widest possible audience through its productions, education programmes and both local and national collaborations.

Performed 28 — 29 April 2023 in the The Fire Station, Sunderland.