" 'Odysseus' is more than a tour de force. It is a monumental and important work that puts the follies of men (and women) through the lens of Ancient Greece. The journey is profound and fun in ways unexpected..." --Paul Willistein, ABE Award to Odysseus for Best Original Play 2022

“Odysseus” is a bold and emotional tour de force, a compelling one-man play based on Homer’s epic Greek tale. Accompanied only by musician Rob Aptaker, George commands the stage from the moment he steps barefoot onto the stage.The original work follows the mythical ten-year journey of Odysseus, who is struggling to make his way home after the Trojan War. The script, written by George, is drawn primarily from Alexander Pope's 18th-century poetic translation and an intense two-hours long, as George prowls the minimally decorated stage portraying a pantheon of characters from gods and goddesses to human mortals such as Odysseus, his son Telemachus and his wife Penelope. He is as comfortable portraying Odysseus’ broken-hearted elderly father Laertes, as he is the love-struck young virgin Nausicaa. It is simply fascinating to watch as George depicts the reunion of Odysseus and his beloved wife Penelope, playing both parts and altering his posture as he shifts between the male and female characters.

Adding to atmosphere is Aptaker’s myriad of instruments to provide an aural back-drop to the story. Aptaker employs a large drum as well as finger piano, bowls, rain sticks, lap harp, flute and more to create Penelope’s cries, Calypso’s song, the shriek of eagles, the twang of the bow, ocean waves, crashing thunder and more. Aptaker also provides several affecting acapella songs delivered in Greek at critical moments during the show.

George was assisted in directorial duties by Gerard Stropnicky in creating this fearless and extraordinary performance.