Treewild, inc

For thousands of years the stories of the ancient Greeks and their Gods have dominated European and colonialist American cultures. The story of the Odyssey, as recorded by Homer, is a myth that stands without question.
Well, we’re asking questions.

What if Odysseus spent seven years on an island with Calypso learning how to be a man…not just a man, but a good man? How, then, would his homecoming be? How does it change a person to reflect on their actions and not just assume that their deeds are heroic? What does it mean to be culpable and take responsibility for one’s mistakes? By doing the hard work to become a better person, is the outcome radically different?

This immersive experience is set in an illuminated forest. Professional actors narrate the story, while audience members use shadow puppets to act it out. The background for each five-minute scene is projected onto a large screen for the shadow puppets.

This story is a story of war, and the narrative doesn’t sweeten that reality. But visually, the interactive shadow puppetry provides a playful separation that gives emotional distance and transforms the violence into archetypal, fairy-tale symbols.

Experiencing this story while walking through the forest is a continual reminder that we live in community with all the beings on earth: the soil, the stones, the trees, water, wildlife, and sky. The story we are living is bigger than we can possibly imagine.

Voice Actors: Wilbur Hayes as Calypso, James Blanchard as Odysseus and Ry Poulin as Poseidon, with Alison James as narrator

Music by Malvenn from their new CD, Chez Nous

Marionette carving in the traditional Czech style by Joplin Wistar 

Shadow Puppets created at the Generator space

All Films created at Media Factory with their generous support

Written and created by Alison James & Joplin Wistar

BORDERLANDS PROCEEDS FUND TREEWILD AND SHELBURNE FARMS CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!