AN ILIAD, Starring Denis O'Hare, Set for Tonight's 'Theater Close-Up' on THIRTEEN

Co-adapted by Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson, based on Homer's Iliad translated by Robert Fagles, AN ILIAD airs on "Theater Close-Up" tonight, November 20 at 10 p.m. on THIRTEEN, with a repeat broadcast Sunday, November 23 at 11 p.m., and will also air on WLIW21 on Monday, November 24 at 10 p.m.

Beyond the bright lights of Broadway -- the electric signage that led to its moniker as "The Great White Way" -- exists another world: Off-Broadway, a varied and rich wellspring of creativity and innovation. It is the place where both the next generation of actors, playwrights, and directors are developing their voices and veteran talents return to explore their artistic passions.

While there is a multitude of Off- and Off-Off-Broadway theaters, producing hundreds of new works each season, most of these shows play just a few weeks and many are seen by only a small audience. The new series, Theater Close-Up, a unique collaboration between THIRTEEN and that large community of non-profit Off-Broadway theaters, will finally bring a diverse cross-section of those provocative plays to primetime and online audiences.

The series -- which is hosted by acclaimed actress Sigourney Weaver -- premiered last month on THIRTEEN with John Van Druten's "London Wall" from the Mint Theater Company, and continues on successive Thursdays at 10 p.m. with repeat broadcasts on Sunday evenings following Masterpiece. (WLIW21 will air the series on Monday evenings beginning October 6 at 10:30 p.m.)

THIRTEEN is using its unrivaled expertise in producing national PBS arts programming -- starting with such classic series as Theater in America, part of the award-winning series Great Performancesand special limited series such as Stage on Screen -- to provide New Yorkers with unparalleled access to one of the City's greatest underexposed cultural assets.

The plays run the emotional and thematic gamut: from Richard Nelson's cycle "The Apple Family Plays," presented by The Public Theater; Hamish Linklater's "The Vandal," presented by The Flea Theater; Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson's "An Iliad," presented by New York Theatre Workshop; Brian Richard Mori's "Hellman v. McCarthy," presented by Abingdon Theatre Company; and an encore presentation of The Flea's "Looking at Christmas" by Steven Banks.

NEXT UP:

November 20

An Iliad (New York Theatre Workshop)

Co-adapted by Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson, based on Homer's Iliad translated by Robert Fagles. A sprawling yarn based on the epic poem, An Iliad spins the familiar tale of gods and goddesses, undying love and endless battles told through an original and immediate voice. An account of humanity's unshakeable attraction to violence, destruction, and chaos. Has anything really changed since the Trojan War? Directed by Lisa Peterson. With Denis O'Hare ("Dallas Buyer's Club," "True Blood").

Theater Close-Up is a production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. The plays were directed for television by David Horn. Mitch Owgang is producer; Bill O'Donnell is series producer; and David Horn is executive producer. Executive-in-charge: Neal Shapiro.

About WNET - As New York's flagship public media provider and the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature,Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NEWSHOUR Weekend, CHARLIE ROSE and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can stream PBS content for free.

Pictured: Denis O'Hare in AN ILIAD at New York Theatre Workshop. Photo by Joan Marcus.