Sydney Conservatorium Remake Ancient Greek Epic With Hip-Hop Twist

Ever wondered what would happen if you combined ancient Greek poetry with hip-hop? Well Luka Lesson and the team at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music have you covered!

Teaming up with 70 students alongside US music producer Jordan Mitchell and composer Dr James Humberstone, conscious Greek-Australian hip-hop artist Luka Lesson has embarked on this ambitious recording project involving Homer’s 3000-year-old epic poem ‘The Odyssey’.

Reworking the classic with an innovative modern day twist, adding hip-hop, electronic, and classical music with spoken word elements, the new adaptation brings to light the similarities ancient wars have with the current battles of human survival.

“The story of Odysseus depicts a long, dangerous journey filled with hidden obstacles, which I see reflected in the current refugee crisis. Fleeing with nothing but the clothes on your back, being separated from your family, showing up on people’s doorsteps and hoping that they won’t turn you away. Refugees fleeing the Middle East are experiencing all this and more today,” says lead vocalist Lolita Emmanuel.

Performing to a full house just days ago, the artists are already looking forward to the future of the production, with their collective vision for Odysseus Live being played by national and international orchestras.

“The dream of the artists and musicians, who have dedicated hundreds of hours of recording and rehearsal time, energy, and creativity to create Odysseus Live, is the powerful piece of music will reach and unite people across the globe…and maybe even make its way back to the ancient foothills of Olympus in Greece!” said Dr Humberstone.

Checkout the video below to hear some of the production, and if you want to see it come to a city near you, checkout their website and crowdfunding campaign!