@ Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Sunday 1 November 2015
Bob Pegg is a storyteller and musician who evidently has a fascination with Homer’s Odyssey. Warrior Blues updates the story with music, song and comedy and gives a refreshing update on the tale. Pegg is the writer and performer of this live storytelling event, meanwhile Andy Cannon worked as director/dramaturg to bring the story to life and to the Netherbow Theatre in the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.
The performer boldly enters the theatre space and proudly proclaims that he is a 3,000 year old man by the name of Odysseus. He is on stage this evening to reclaim his story which has been misinterpreted in film, literature, poetry and song. Odysseus wants to the set the record straight and also claim some royalties which he is due after all the profit that has been made from his ancient tale. To capitalise Odysseus is releasing an album called Warrior Blues and the soldier is going to perform some songs from it this evening, while also telling the true tale of his life.
Bob Pegg takes the audience through an engaging and shortened version of the Odyssey, where the heroic warrior protagonist is plagued by conflict, mythological creatures and beautiful women. The songs and music are heavily influenced by folk music, where the performer makes use of an acoustic guitar, various stringed instruments and a flute. This adds relief to the spoken word elements of the show, however in general the songs do little to move the story forward. For example a gentle song about Odysseus’ s dog Argos feels more of a distraction rather than an accompaniment to the tale. Warrior Blues works best when the performer is delivering the narrative through bold language and subtle comedy and this is where the performance is alive with wit, style and folklore.
Warrior Blues was one of the final events on the concluding day of The Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2015. In many ways it showcased what makes the festival so engaging and enlightening, as the performance was entertaining, original and a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour.