Iliad: The Song of Thetis

Iliad: The Song of Thetis

Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling CompanyProfessional company

90 minutesNetherbow Theatre
An incendiary retelling of Homer’s Iliad, sung through the voice of Thetis, Achilles’ mother. Two performers fluidly shifting: god/mortal, mother/warrior, goddess/lover, masculine/feminine, collapsing the boundaries of gender, power and fate. Love – maternal, erotic, spiritual – collides with the brutal machinery of war. Developed through international residencies and informed by artistic exchange with Lebanese and Palestinian artists working amid ongoing conflict, the production refuses nostalgia. Olympus is not distant; it is political, volatile, human. Nearly three millennia later, the epic burns with the same question: who wages war, and who pays the price?

About the show

Iliad: The Song of Thetis is presented by Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company at Netherbow Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This retelling of Homer's Iliad is sung through the voice of Thetis, Achilles' mother. Two performers shift fluidly between god and mortal, mother and warrior, goddess and lover, collapsing boundaries of gender, power and fate. Developed through international residencies and informed by artistic exchange with Lebanese and Palestinian artists working amid ongoing conflict, the production asks who wages war and who pays the price. The show runs 90 minutes, is for ages 16 and over, and tickets start from £10.

Why see this show?

Homer's Iliad retold through the voice of Achilles' mother, developed alongside Lebanese and Palestinian artists currently living through conflict. A 90-minute production at Netherbow Theatre that refuses to treat the ancient epic as safely distant.

Event Details

Thursday 6 - Tuesday 18 August 2026

20:30, 16:45

12 performances

90 minutes

2 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£10

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the show about?

It is a retelling of Homer's Iliad sung through the voice of Thetis, Achilles' mother, with two performers shifting between god, mortal, mother, warrior, goddess and lover.

How long is the show?

The show runs for 90 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

The show is for ages 16 and over.

Are there content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and scenes of a sexual nature.

How much are tickets?

Tickets start from £10.

Where is the show?

The show is at Netherbow Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

About This Theatre Production

Iliad: The Song of Thetis is a theatre performance at Netherbow Theatre during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 90 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: Netherbow Theatre

Netherbow Theatre is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: £10 - £16

Age Guidance: 16+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Iliad: The Song of Thetis represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

Browse all Theatre shows →

Similar Events

Loading similar events...

Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API