Beerman enhances ‘An Iliad’ with original music, performance

Dr. Burton Beerman, Distinguished Artist Professor Emeritus, brings his singular talents as a composer and performer to a new interpretation of Homer’s tragedy “The Iliad.” The Valentine Theatre in Toledo will present the one-man show “An Iliad” this weekend, performed by Toledo actor Paul Causman, accompanied by Beerman onstage and through multimedia elements.

In this version of the ancient story, the man most of Toledo knows as Scrooge through his yearly performance with The Toledo Rep’s “A Christmas Carol” takes on a markedly different role. Causman will have no chorus, no props, no dialogue — he will be the single actor, a storyteller, with a script based on a story that has stood the test of time. 

The violent storm that begins the classic tale, presaging revenge and destruction, also sets off the Valentine’s Studio A production of Denis O’Hare, Lisa Peterson and Robert Fagle’s version of the battles of Troy. Music for the performance, both live and pre-recorded, was composed specifically for the production by Beerman, an internationally recognized and award-wining composer, who will be performing live onstage on primitive musical instruments. Beerman intertwines his original compositions with the spoken word of the story, which uses parts from Homer’s original epic, translated and woven with modern concerns.

Performances are at 8 p.m. April 7 and April 8, and at 2 p.m. April 9 in Studio A, adjacent to the Valentine Theatre at 410 Adams St. General admission tickets are $20; student tickets are $10 with student ID. Call 419-242-2787 or visit the Valentine Theatre website to purchase tickets.