Set against the epic violence of the Trojan War, Holding Achilles by David Morton is a refreshing take on one of the ancient world’s best-known heroes, and his relationship with Patroclus, his not so well-known lover.

Presented by Brisbane Festival, in collaboration with Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Glass Half Full Productions, Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall, the performance will run from 29 August till 10 September.

The play revolves around Patroclus, who, a young exile taken in by Achilles’ father, faces hostility from the young hero until they are thrust together to train under the centaur Chiron, and the two form an unlikely friendship.

As Achilles doggedly seeks to fulfil his mother’s prophecy to become a legend, their relationship becomes something more. But war with Troy is brewing, and the two young men find themselves caught between their hopes for a future together and the brutal realities of the world that faces them.

This new production from visual theatre masterminds Dead Puppet Society and physical theatre virtuosos Legs On The Wall reclaims the queer aspects of The Iliad. Set to a haunting new score composed by Tony Buchen and Chris Bear with Montaigne, and a live performance by Montaigne, this innovative new work blends heightened physicality and visual storytelling with an ensemble cast to weave a legend of mythic proportions. A tale of trials, grief and love – Holding Achilles is an epic tale about a fearless bond forged in the toughest of times.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival and Glass Half Full Productions together with Bristol Old Vic and Northampton Royal and Derngate in the UK.

When: 29 August – 10 September, 7.30pm (contact for additional hours)

Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Russell St, South Brisbane

Bookings: ticketing.qpac.com.au/event_dates/bf_dps_holding_achilles_22