In the last week of Term One, a Herculean task was undertaken as 176 students attended a special matinee performance of 'An Iliad', a wonderfully contemporary adaption of the Greek poet Homer’s landmark poem 'The Iliad'.

Students from a range of subjects such as Years 12 and 13 Classical Studies, Year 10 Drama, Year 11 English and Senior Music wandered down to the Fortune Theatre to partake of this epically jaw-dropping performance. 

The advertising pegged it as "a tale of heroes told by masters," and it was not wrong, as two titans of New Zealand entertainment (actor/director and legend of the stage Michael Hurst, and Shayne P. Carter, Dunedin rock royalty) had half of Columba College eating out of the palms of their hands for 105 minutes with a dazzling display of theatricality and humanity. 

Afterwards, we were treated to a cast and crew forum, which afforded the opportunity to ask questions of these master practitioners. All told, the trip was a fantastic way not only for our budding classicists to consolidate their knowledge and appreciation of the ancient world but for lovers of theatre, art, music and words to luxuriate in the transformative power of theatre. 

Our kindest thanks to The Fortune Theatre for hosting us, hopefully not for the last time.