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“Every once in a while there comes a show that owes its origins to the unique chemistry of the group of people who came together to make it” – The Stage

“Entertaining and engaging: no-frills theatre showcasing the art of storytelling.” – British Theatre Guide

On Wednesday 27 July, 6.30 – 10pm, the award-winning Temple Theatre Company will bring their brand new production Unmythable to the Ashmolean Museum for one night only. The production is part of the Ashmolean’s ongoing Greek Season, featuring the groundbreaking exhibition Heracles to Alexander the Great and will take place amongst historical artifacts from the very era that Unmythable draws its influence from.

Performing the ancient Greek Myths as you’ve never seen them before, Temple Theatre re-imagines the well-known tales of ancient Greece in an entertaining and inventive fashion. Focusing upon the familiar legend of Jason And The Argonauts Unmythable provides an alternative narrative to the story; tales of great heroes like Heracles, Theseus and Odysseus; love stories as told by Orpheus himself; legends that explain the creation of the world and the dealings of the gods. The show promises to include all the classic Greek Myths you’ve ever heard of, and some that you never knew existed, in a play that is action-packed, witty and truly unmissable.

Originally hailing from Oxford, Temple Theatre is now based in London and takes their critically lauded productions up and down the country, including dates at major UK summer festivals such as Latitude 2011. Their first major production, Out Of Chaos, had a record-breaking run at The Blue Elephant Theatre in London before touring Europe and winning Best Production at the ACT Festival in Bilbao and the Audience Prize at Berlin’s 100°Festival. In 2009, they collaborated with acclaimed playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker on a new translation of Euripides’ famous tragedy Hippolytus.

Not only will ticket holders have the chance to enjoy the special, one-off performance but they will also be invited upstairs to visit the groundbreaking exhibition Heracles to Alexander the Great in an exclusive, after-hours viewing. As part of the special Greek Season, the Ashmolean proudly displays over 500 treasures recently excavated from the royal burial tombs and the grand palace of Aegae, with many objects being displayed for the very first time. This exhibition tells the story of the kings and queens who governed Macedon, ruling descendants of the legendary Heracles and the all-conquering Alexander the Great.

Following the performance guests can join the cast in the Ashmolean’s splendid rooftop restaurant for drinks and a discussion about the play. Looking out over the picturesque Dreaming Spires of Oxford, the rooftop restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a post-theatre drink and share Greek Mezze with friends, open until 11pm.

6.30pm   Doors open
7pm         Play starts in the Ashmolean’s Atrium
8pm         Exhibition: ‘Heracles to Alexander the Great’ open
10pm       Museum closes

Theatre Tickets only: £12
Combined Theatre & Exhibition Tickets: £20 / £18 concessions
Online ticket booking: www.ashmolean.org/whatsonbooking  
Book a table: www.ashmoleandiningroom.com  T: 01865 553823