The Patriot Theatre Company (PTC) will present Anon(ymous), a modern retelling of Homer’s “Odyssey,” on Oct. 6 and 7. The Odyssey follows the story of the Greek hero Hercules, and his journey home after the Trojan War.

According to Assistant Stage Manager, Nisa Rao ’26, the new show differs from the original because it is reimagined in modern America, exploring the experience of a refugee seeking his family. Rao explains that in their months of preparation, the cast and crew have crafted every aspect of the show, from scenic design, to technical elements, and the emotional embodiment of their characters.

“The show portrays Anon, a young boy separated from his mom in war,” Rao said. “Anon becomes lost trying to find his identity, and the play explores how he adapts to his surroundings and perseveres through finding more of his sense of self.”

Rao noted that rehearsals have concentrated on perfecting the play’s portrayal of identity, family, and finding oneself. The cast and crew have worked for almost four months to bring the production to the stage.

“There are around 37 students involved in the production,” Rao said. “17 in our cast, and the rest is our crew or involved with part of the backstage production. We’ve been preparing since the leadership positions were announced at the end of last school year.”

Both Rao and Rayaan Shaik ’25, who plays the lead role of Anon, explained that the process of bringing Anon(ymous) to life has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Shaik specifically emphasized the importance of fully embodying his character, rather than just simply acting.

“At the end of the day, I realized that this character is very human,” Shaik said. “He’s very much like me or like any one of us, so it didn’t seem that difficult to approach. I really relied on the support of my directors and castmates to shape the character.”

While the cast has been focused on character development, the crew, led by Production Stage Manager Sid Shifrin ’26, has worked on the technical elements of the production. Anon(ymous) is a 90-minute performance that features several complex special effects, including atmospheric fog, lighting schemes, and moments of simulated violence.

“The technical effects of this show are unlike anything I’ve ever worked before,” Shifrin said. “There are so many moving pieces that really bring the magical realism to life, and fitting them together has been a hardworking, creative, and unique experience.”

For Shifrin, a first-time Production Manager, Anon(ymous) stands out from other shows produced by the PTC because of its technical complexity. Similarly, Shaik feels that the play is also unique, due to the cultural makeup of the cast. The PTC ensures that this play adequately reflects diversity and various world cultures as seen in Anon’s trek through America.

“I was drawn to the multi-ethnic ensemble, and how different it was from other plays,” Shaik said. “It’s definitely heavy on diversity, and I think that’s what makes it such an amazing, amazing performance.”