If you’re looking for an immersive play in London, then don’t miss The Burnt City. A sensory theatre experience hosted by interactive theatre experts, Punchdrunk, this show explores the conflict of the Trojan War and delves deep into Greek mythology. Are you ready to experience a colossal playground of gods and mortals on an epic scale? If so, it’s a good idea to learn more about the Trojan War, what happened, and why it’s still talked about today.

The Trojan War Summarised

When you think of Greek mythology, images of scary mythical creatures might come to mind, but not all the stories deal with monsters and brushes with the Underworld. One of the most famous versions of the Trojan War is in Homer’s Iliad. This and other stories are packed with huge highs, dramatic lows and a host of shocking moments in between.

To summarise, it all began when Queen Helen of Sparta was either abducted by, or eloped with, the Trojan prince, Paris. Helen’s jilted husband Menelaus was furious and joined forces with his brother Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, to launch an attack on Troy in a bid to retrieve her. Greek heroes including Achilles, Odysseus, Nestor and Ajax also sailed to Troy as part of a fleet of more than a thousand ships.

Upon arrival at Troy, the Greeks demanded that the Trojan king should return Helen. A bloody siege commenced, lasting ten years. Among those who perished were the Trojan prince, Hector, and Achilles’ closest companions, Patroclus. Eventually, the Greek army feigned a retreat, leaving a large wooden horse outside the gates of Troy as a parting gift as they sailed away. Despite warnings, the Trojans pulled the huge horse into the gated city. Little did they know that some of the best Greek warriors were hiding inside, free to attack Troy from within after nightfall. The Greek boats quietly sailed back, the army was admitted to the city, and the Trojans were defeated.

Did the Trojan War Actually Happen?

It’s generally assumed that a war did happen between the Greeks and the Turks in the Late Bronze Age which lasted a full ten years. Recent excavations have shown Troy to be a significant Bronze Age city. Charred debris and scattered skeletons have been discovered and used as evidence for the destruction of a city that existed a long time ago.

Book your tickets to The Burnt City and fully immerse yourself in an experience of the aftermath of the sacking of Troy.  It’s completely different to any theatre show you would have experienced before, so pack comfy shoes and be prepared for something gripping around every turn. Follow strangers who emerge from the shadows and seek out tales hiding in the deepest part of the city.