Black Odyssey

Written by Oakland-native Marcus Gardley and helmed by Cal Shakes artistic director Eric Ting, black odyssey mashes up Greek mythology and African-American folklore in this musical and visionary new take on Homer’s classic.

After he is lost at sea and presumed dead, Ulysses Lincoln, a Gulf War veteran, struggles to find his way home to his wife, Nella, and his son, Malachi.

A host of Gods control his fate, including the dignified Deus, scheming Paw Sidin, and radiant Aunt Tina, who make Ulysses confront his ancestral past so that he can embrace his unsettled present.