Developed by OYO, the Namibian Odysseus is a dance project, involving fashion, theatre and film, that explores issues of faithfulness and condom use in marriage.

“The Namibian Odysseus is actually based on the much older Greek Odysseus”, explains OYO director Philippe Talavera.  In the ancient Greek tale, Odysseus is a young man who has to leave his wife, Penelope, and their child, Telemachus, to go to war.  After ten years of fighting, he embarks on the long journey back to his family only to get diverted from by several extra-marital affairs. 

In contrast to her husband’s infidelity, Penelope remains determinedly faithful rejecting several offers of courtship presented to her a number of suitors.  Eventually, after the passing of some twenty years, Odysseus returns home and resumes the old life he had with his family.  

"But what if Odysseus had lived in Namibia in the 21st century?" asks Philippe.  After 20 years of constant infidelities, he probably would have tested HIV positive and on his return, he would probably have infected his faithful wife.  It’s a worrying prospect, but one that is all too common in present day Namibia.  It is for this reason that the project aims to hammer home the message that condom use is not just applicable for the young and single, but also important for those in long term relationships. 

The Namibian Odysseus will be showing at the National Theatre of Namibia during the week starting 14 July.  At least three shows will be set aside for local schools.  After several shows the production will be professionally recorded on location and turned into a video for further use as educational tool.