The simple act of storytelling is a time-honored theatrical tradition. But it can also a hackneyed one. Case in point: An Iliad, the new one-man show—well, technically two man, but more on that later—based on the poem by Homer as translated by Robert Fagles. This epic tale of the Trojan War has been rendered into a chatty, meandering monologue delivered by a character only known as “The Poet.” He’s accompanied with music by an onstage bassist providing the appropriate emotional cues.  

This piece being presented by the New York Theatre Workshop was adapted by actor Denis O’Hare and playwright Lisa Peterson (Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Slavs), with the latter also directing. Theatergoers are being enticed to see the production not once but twice, since O’Hare is alternating in the role with Stephen Spinella.

Although I’m a dedicated theatergoer, even the prospect of comparing two such talented actors wasn’t enough to induce me to sit through the 100-minute monologue a second time. I chose to see O’Hare since he was also the co-author.

The actor, clad in a shabby overcoat and toting a suitcase, wanders onto the stage like a character in a Beckett play and begins chanting in Greek. But he quickly resorts to mostly colloquial language, providing an abridged version of the story that concentrates on the Greek warrior Achilles and his Trojan counterpart Hector.

Unless you’re familiar with the complicated story--much of which has admittedly slipped from my memory since college days—the proceedings are apt to prove somewhat confusing. But not to worry, since the message of the piece is, gasp, war is bad, and its continued relevance is hammered home in a recitation of a litany of modern-day conflicts.

The normally mesmerizing O’Hare recites the text in a world-weary monotone that quickly proves tedious. And although the expert lighting and sound design provide evocative underpinnings, they’re not enough to give the piece sufficient theatricality. For all its obvious good intentions, it ultimately has the feel of a self-indulgent stunt.    

New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. 4th St. 212-279-4200. www.ticketcentral.com. Through March 25.