The Penelopiad
25 August – 10 September 2023
PIP Theatre, Milton
“Now that I am dead I know everything…”
The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble will bring Margaret Atwood’s epic novella-turned-play, The Penelopiad to Brisbane with PIP Theatre, directed by Rebecca Murphy.
Penelope, dutiful wife of Odysseus and less beautiful cousin of Helen, is ready to tell her story. Left alone for decades while Odysseus fights in the Trojan War, Penelope must face her own battles, managing Ithaca, difficult in-laws, her son, and hordes of increasingly menacing suitors.
The Penelopiad is a contemporary take on Homer’s The Odyssey that sees Penelope and her twelve wronged maids take centre stage. Full of live music, poetry, tragedy, and Atwood’s wicked humour and performed by an ensemble cast of thirteen, lead by Core Ensemble member Liliana Macarone as Penelope.
Director Rebecca Murphy (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, Henry IV Part 1, The Rover), is looking forward to sharing this tale.
“I’m so excited that we are bringing this fascinating piece of theatre to Brisbane audiences. In some ways it’s a production that ventures into new territory for QSE but at its core, it has so many of the things that we and our audiences love!” Murphy said. “An epic story told with lots of live music and singing, stunning verse, and a whole lot of committed ensemble work. As a long-time Margaret Atwood fan, it’s been a privilege and a whole lot of fun to get the opportunity to bring her words from page to stage.”
QSE will once again be running its Shakespeare Beyond Initiatives as part of the season: A Night At The Theatre (ANATT) and a Relaxed Performance. Established in 2016, ANATT invites patrons to donate the price of a ticket. QSE then works with Community Partners Australian Red Cross, Communify, and Arafmi to share tickets with people who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience live theatre. A Relaxed Performance of The Penelopiad will be held at 2pm on Saturday, 2 September, designed to welcome people who may enjoy a more relaxed performance environment, including (but not limited to) people with autism or individuals with sensory sensitivity. Parents and caregivers may also find the inclusive atmosphere relaxing with audience members free to move, speak, and respond through the performance. Click here for more information.
For ticketing and further information, visit the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble website
Backstreet Brisbane 
Leave a comment