Odyssey84

Sherman Theatre

Photo & editing Alex Mills
Date / location South Wales 2025
Additional info: Odyssey ’84 is Tim Price’s powerful retelling of the 1984 Miners’ Strike, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. Directed by Sherman Theatre Artistic Director Joe Murphy, the play follows South Wales miner John O’Donnell (played by Rhodri Meilir) as he’s forced into a fight for survival, while his wife Penny (played by Sara Gregory) navigates her own journey to support their community. With a stirring 80s soundtrack, a striking set, and themes of resilience, solidarity, and transformation, Odyssey ’84 marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most defining moments in modern Welsh history.

I shot Rhodri Meilir and Sara Gregory on separate occasions - and created historically accurate (or as can be) scenes - including the addition of a pit head and the workers union room for Sara. The final treatment was to resemble photography at the time which lents itself to a gritty black and white finish. I also brought some relevant props including the policeman’s helmet.

Importantly - images had to be produced large and square to allow for various formatting and composition into a final diptych.