This Sunday, July 19, noted cultural historian and storyteller Phil Cousineau will speak at The Varsity Theatre in Downtown Davis, where he'll sign copies of his just-released book "The Wisdom of the Odyssey" (New World Library, July 2026). The event is sponsored by The Wardrobe and Avid Reader Bookstore, and runs from noon to 1:30 pm.
A protegé of mythologist Joseph Campbell and a prolific author, Cousineau's latest book is timed to coincide with the soon-to-be-released major film production of "The Odyssey" from famed Director Sir Christopher Nolan.
In a conversation this week with DMA's Autumn Labbé-Renault, Cousineau discusses "The Odyssey" and its lasting impact, covering topics ranging from war and grief; PTSD; feminist scholarship; and how the poet Homer mapped what it means to be human. Discussion centers on how Cousineau's book provides a roadmap for understanding the epic poem's major themes and its continued relevance today. (Please note: the video says the event is Saturday July 19, but it's Sunday, July 19.)