Holding Achilles - A world premiere production as part of Brisbane Festival

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 wellknown lover.

This breathtaking 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 performed live by Montaigne, composed with Tony Buchen and Chris Bear, 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. As a young exile taken in by Achilles’ father, Patroclus 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 to pursue a relationship while she insists it was a mistake. Michelle and Allen firt in her room. fulfl his mother’s prophecy to become a legend, their relationship becomes something more. But war with Troy is brewing, and the two young men fnd themselves caught between their hopes for a future together and the brutal realities of the world that faces them.

In front of all four parents, Michelle asks Allen to trust in the now and to not fear that things could end badly, to take a leap of faith with her. She leaves the room, and he soon follows. Left alone, Monica spills the beans about her affair with Howard, or tries to. Both Grace and Sam guiltily confess about meeting the previous night and Monica smugly talks about her and Howard begs Grace for her forgiveness.

An upset Grace goes outside, while Sam amd Howard compare info about their infdelities, Howard explaining that it was purely physical whereas Sam explains theirs was purely cerebral. They start to fght with their fsts, but it soon turns into a hug. Howard considers both his wife and Sam are better people than him.

Monica follows Grace, and she lets her know she thinks Howard hasn’t gotten too lost and they could still be saved.

The men join them outside. Howard it was the last and only time he cheated on her, which Monica corraborates. Grace is hurt that, instead of talking things through with her he’d sought solace in another’s arms. When she leaves in tears, Sam encourages Howard to go after her as she believes her best possible happy ending is with him.

Sam and Monica stay taking once they are alone. He says he’d always felt she’s more interesting than him, that she’s an unstoppable force and he’s stayed because of their son. Meeting Grace, he now sees he could love again. Michelle and Allen write their own vows. Afterwards we see Sam and Monica saying their goodbyes, and Howard and Grace have refound each other.

Marigolds Bistro

Buffet Fridays

Lunch and Dinner

11.30am-2.30pm / From 5.30pm

Starts 2nd June

Amazing Indulgence

Booking Preferred 0432291824

210 Molesworth St Lismore

Musical Bingo

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au