Jo Kelen wrote and performed a captivating story called Archiles, Death of the Gods at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. The play follows the story of the Greek mythological Achilles and his lover Patroclus as they fought together during the Trojan War.

Kelen performs all the roles within the play. The changes between each character allow us to gauge whose speaking. The dialogue is rich and it’s impressive how effortlessly she retells the story without faltering.

The performance is an intimate stripped-back version. The small stage in the Paradise venue sets the ideal performance area with Kelen and a table with candles and two jugs upon it. The intimacy allows you to feel that the story is being told directly to you.

The story of Archiles, Death of the Gods is performed through gesture and movement. Which is perfectly timed and practised within the challenging small area available.

The mythological world comes to life through Kelen. Where love, war, and grief all play a role in the storyline. The performance is mesmerising at times, and you are drawn to watching every move intensely. Not wanting to miss any of the storyline especially during the battle.

Kelen is an outstanding example of what a good storytelling performance is capable of. Fancy sets and scenery don’t make any difference if the actor telling the story doesn’t have a strong enough stage presence. Which Kelen has throughout.

I am very interested to see what Kelen does next.

For more information about Archiles, Death of the Gods please use the link below.

Five Stars.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/achilles-death-of-the-gods