Odysseus is Parading into Queens

On Monday August 29 2011, Odyssey-inspired costumed characters and giant puppets will become part of seven processionals into Socrates Sculpture Park in New York City.  The event is a re-telling and re-enacting of seven stories from Homer’s famous epic poem.  The project, Odysseus at Hell Gate, was created by artists Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, with assistance from volunteers.  The artists make connections between Homer’s island stories featuring the Cyclops and the Sirens, and historical events taking place in and around the islands of New York City.  According to Shaun Leonard, director of public programs and community affairs for the Park, the scope of their ideas “was more than we would ever have expected.  It will be one of our biggest programs.”