We are deeply saddened by the death of Sir Tom Stoppard, the celebrated playwright and a generous supporter of Classics for All. Sir Tom wrote Penelope after being commissioned by the late composer André Previn. Set to Previn’s music, the work gives voice to Odysseus’s wife as she reflects on her husband’s twenty-year absence and eventual return from the Trojan War. Penelope was first performed in the United States at Tanglewood in 2019, sung by Renée Fleming. In December 2021 – almost four years ago to the day – it received its UK première in aid of Classics for All, presented as a monodrama read by Hattie Morahan.
You can watch or revisit that performance here, chaired by Martha Kearney and featuring Sir Tom Stoppard in conversation with Dr Emma Greensmith.
We remain profoundly grateful for Sir Tom’s generosity and his belief in the value of Classics education. His support helped bring Penelope to new audiences and strengthened our mission to make Classics accessible to all.