Dive Deeper: Helios & Orpheus
Join internationally renowned Wright & Grainger in the Brown’s Mart Studio for Helios and Orpheus, a modern-day retelling of these Ancient Greek tales through intimate storytelling and soulful music.
Rediscovering the Ancient Through Modern Eyes
For Alex and Phil, the creative duo behind Helios and Orpheus, Greek mythology isn’t just a relic of the past, it’s a source of inspiration. It’s the timelessness of these stories that draws them in. These myths, with their layered complexities and deep humanity, offer something profound about the human condition that continues to resonate today. Each retelling casts a new light, revealing fresh relevance in our present moment. For the artists, it’s a joyful challenge to explore these vast, fantastical worlds and find the beating human heart at their centre.
Following the Mythical Thread
The journey of Wright & Grainger began with Orpheus, a story Alex had known since childhood. They approached it with curiosity, writing a version that felt right for now. That guiding instinct has shaped all their myth-inspired work since. Instead of treating these stories as fragile artefacts, they dive into them with energy and play, following clues from one myth to the next. Each show becomes a kind of excavation, of meaning, of emotion, of connection. For them, storytelling isn’t just about the tale itself; it’s about the act of gathering, of bringing people together to share in something real.
Unconventional Stages and Unforgettable Moments
Performing in non-traditional spaces is all part of the magic for Alex and Phil, and where their work truly shines. From a sun-drenched pub made of logs in New Zealand’s Golden Bay to a tiny lane behind a friend’s house during lockdown, the settings have been as memorable as the shows themselves. These unconventional locations allow for intimacy, surprise, and a unique sense of place that more formal theatres sometimes lack. They become part of the story. There’s power in sharing a space where every laugh or tear is felt together. These shows create a fleeting sense of community, unique to that moment. As Phil says, without someone to tell it to, you’re just a “story sayer.” In rooms like these, everyone helps bring the story to life.
Helios & Orpheus – Book Now
Wed 20 – Sat 23 Aug
Brown’s Mart Studio
Written for Darwin Festival by Alyson Evans
