By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 08/09/2025
I attended the opening of “Achilles in Arcadia,” performed at the Skylight Theatre. The play, written by Chris Collins and directed by Kiff Scholl, is produced by Frier McCollister for Black Bough Productions.
At first glance, the key art made me think the play was about the Roman Empire set in a Chinese restaurant. However, I soon remembered that Achilles is a Greek warrior from the Trojan War. According to legend, his mother dipped him in the River Styx but held him by one heel, leaving that part mortal— a classical reference that ties back to Homer’s “Iliad.” The play does reference both Homer and Achilles a few times, but it focuses on a different narrative.
Set in Arcadia, a predominantly Asian community in Los Angeles County, “Achilles in Arcadia” presents a unique and entertaining tragedy. The cast includes Krit McClean, Yulia Belyaeva, Timothy Willard, Devyn Kohl, Gloria Tsai, and Jeff LeBeau.
The storyline unfolds in a Chinese restaurant, where George, a student filmmaker, his sister Rose, their girlfriend, and an old army buddy named Pat, who served in Afghanistan, have convened to rehearse for George’s student film. Recently, George and Rose’s mother passed away, and their aunt Amy, the executor of the will, has moved into their family home. Unbeknownst to George and Rose, Aunt Amy has been engaged in an on-again, off-again affair with their estranged uncle, who abandoned the family a decade prior but has reappeared now that Amy is back in the house.
The play is filled with drama and humor, culminating in a tragic conclusion. It stands out as an original story that, while infused with themes of betrayal, rage, and revenge, departs from the narrative of Homer’s “Iliad.” The plot is rich with unexpected twists and turns, and there are several surprising private conversations that add depth to the overall experience.
Regular performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m., through Sunday, September 21. Dark on Labor Day weekend, August 29 through August 31.
ADMISSION: $20 on Fridays. $25 on Saturdays and Sundays. Students and seniors $15 (at the door only).
BOX OPFICE: (213) 761-7061. ONLINE TICKETING: http://achillesinarcadia.com
Photos by Chris Mortenson
