A New Solo Theatre Work — Touring 2027
A Veteran
of Troy
One Poet. Five Testimonies.
Three Thousand Years of Courage
A contemporary solo performance drawn from Homer's epics, exploring war, courage and the warrior's journey back to himself.
60 Minutes · One Performer · Prerecorded Soundscape · Minimal Technical Requirements
Now Booking Worldwide Dates for 2027
The Performance
The Show
A 60-minute poetic solo performance written and performed by Doug Rao.
Drawing on Homer, A Veteran of Troy brings ancient voices into conversation with modern war, courage and the difficult journey home. Through a sequence of testimonies, one performer asks what conflict leaves behind—and how its stories are carried forward.
Cast
One performer
Sound
Prerecorded soundscape
Lighting
Minimal requirements
Watch the Teaser — Click to Play
For Presenters
Why Programme A Veteran of Troy?
01
A Contemporary Homer
An ancient epic reframed through modern war, courage, homecoming and testimony.
02
Easy to Tour and Programme
One performer, a prerecorded soundscape and minimal lighting requirements.
03
Continue the Conversation
The performance offers a strong starting point for post-show discussion with audiences.
04
Optional Engagement
Programming can be supported by related workshops or masterclasses for participants.
The Maker
About Doug Rao
Actor. Director. Writer. Veteran.
Doug Rao is an award-winning actor and director with over three decades of experience in theatre, film and television.
A veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company, his work spans stage and screen and storytelling that dares to look unflinchingly at the human condition.
A Veteran of Troy is his most personal work to date.
Read More
Education & Outreach
Workshops & Masterclasses
Available for universities, schools, theatres and organisations.
01
The Storyteller's Fire
Writing & Performance Workshop
A practical and inspiring workshop that helps participants uncover their own stories through myth, memory and epic.
Finding your voice
Building powerful narratives
From page to performance
For writers, actors & anyone with a story
02
The Actor as Storyteller
Acting Masterclass
Exploring text, character and truth-telling. A masterclass in connecting ancient words to modern audiences.
Text & subtext
Physicality & presence
Voice & speech
For actors & performers
03
From Epic to Screen
Storytelling & Screenwriting Workshop
How epic stories become films and series. Learn the craft of adapting myth and real life into visual stories.
Story structure & conflict
Character & world-building
Adapting classics
For writers, filmmakers & creatives
International Touring
A Veteran of Troy Is Coming Home
A Veteran of Troy is designed as a lean, powerful touring production.
One performer. One soundscape. One ancient story.
The production can travel internationally to theatres, festivals, universities, literary events and cultural institutions.
Bring A Veteran of Troy to Your CityLeg 01
UK
Leg 02
Europe
Leg 03
Middle East
Leg 04
Asia
Leg 05
North America
For Industry
Programmers & Presenters
A Veteran of Troy is available for theatre seasons, festivals, universities, literary programmes, cultural institutions and international touring.
60–75 Minutes
Solo Performance
Low Tech
Portable Production
Flexible Format
Theatre · Festival · University · Literary Event
A Veteran of Troy
A Modern Verse Retelling
The complete epic poem behind the performance.
Written by Doug Rao
Gallery
Media
Doug Rao in Memory
Feature · With Liam Neeson
Actor Showreel 2020
Showreel
Zero Chill — Netflix Series
Series
Dirty Boy — Teaser
Trailer
Press & Response
What People Are Saying
Placeholder content — real quotes and reviews will be added as the production tours.
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[Publication]
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[Venue / Festival]
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[Audience response will appear here]
[Audience Member]
“A Veteran of Troy is not just an ancient story.
It is every story of war and return.
It is the cost of honour.
It is the price of coming home.”
Doug Rao