photos by Maggie Hall
Bill Harley’s performance of the one-man show “An Iliad” by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare brings the mythic story of Achilles and Hector to life, making it relevant for our time. Its November 2024 run at the Burbage Theatre Company in Pawtucket, RI, saw sold out houses and won rave reviews from critics in southeastern New England. Bob Abelman of the Boston Globe, called it “riveting”, “mesmerizing” and “a master class in making canonical literary work engaging and relevant”.
Harley, a two-time Grammy winner for his spoken word recordings and recognized by his peers as one of the finest storytellers in the country, brings his lifetime of experience as a performer to the production. In a piece both panoramic and intimate in scope, Harley inhabits the characters of the ancient story and connects with the audience so that the wall between actor and audience dissolves.
Harley is accompanied by master musician Cathy Clasper-Torch as “The Muse”. Using cello and violin, Torch’s improvisational work underscores Harley’s performance – both reflecting the agony and pathos of the piece and driving the story forward on its emotional and narrative path.
“An Iliad” is ideal for small and black box type theaters as it has minimal stage, tech and sound requirements. Please contact us for details.
Quotes: To read the full review, click on the title of the publication.
“Bill Harley wins you over from the get-go” – The Boston Globe
“Harley is one of Rhode Island’s treasures, sharing his gifts around the world and returning home to do this difficult play using every inch of his body and soul.” – The Cranston Herald
“Harley gives what I believe to be the best stage performance of the year” – Edge Media Network
“’An Iliad’… has been a cathartic experience not only for audiences but for two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley.” – The Valley Breeze
Bios:
Bill Harley is well-traveled, well-spoken and well-loved.
For over forty years, songwriter, storyteller, author and playwright Bill Harley has appeared in schools, theaters, and stages across the country and around the world. Best known for his work with children and families, his ability to navigate through a confusing world with humor and wisdom is evident in his masterful storytelling as well as his numerous award-winning recordings and books.
A two-time Grammy winner, Harley has more than forty recordings and fifteen books to his credit. Recognized by audiences and peers as one of the finest performing storytellers in the country, his work has influenced a generation of children, parents, performing artists and educators. Bill is a member of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhode Island Council for the humanities.
Bill tours internationally as a performing artist, author and keynote speaker from his home in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
Cathy Clasper-Torch (violin/fiddle, piano, erhu, cello) is a teacher, performer and multi -instrumentalist, with a passion for improvisation and harmony. As a studio musician, Cathy’s been a guest artist on over 40 albums, as well as projects of her own, solo or in collaboration with others.
Cathy plays and collaborates with a variety of Rhode Island and New England musicians and has been the Violin/Fiddle instructor in the Harry Martin Heritage Arts program at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, RI, for over 15 years.
Cathy is also a member of Grace Note Singers, offering bedside singing to people receiving palliative care.
Contact:
For more information contact Debbie Block at debbie@billharley.com or 508-336-9703.
To learn more about Bill Harley, visit his website – BillHarley.com