Oedipus
This reimagining of Oedipus’ story is a dark, intense look at family dynamics with the vibe of a political thriller. Mark Strong and Lesley Manville lead the cast with exceptional power, both bringing passion and force to the forefront of the piece.
Robert Icke has written and directed this play, bringing to life Sophocles’ Greek tragedy and using the Freudian influences within the story. Though at times it does feel slow (and the 2 hour run time with no interval does make for some fidgety audience members) the latter part of the play ramps up the energy and drama with a shocking conclusion.
It has been brought into the modern world, Oedipus is a strong-willed politician on the brink of coming into power. He is a man who believes in truth and honesty more than anything. He enjoys the sound of his own voice and holds himself in high regard. His wife Jocasta is full of light and joy, a woman standing next to her man in support while keeping their family in check. Their 3 children are boisterous, pushing each other’s buttons as siblings often do, a common family unit that we learn is full of secrets, some which will tear them apart in the end.
The play opens with a video projection, Oedipus is making one last speech on the eve of the election, his birth heritage is being questioned and he unexpectedly announces he will release his birth certificate to confirm his history but see’s no relevance to the answer (something we saw play out in real time in US politics some years ago).
The entire play takes place in one room, an election command centre in presumably a modern office block. Hildegard Bechtler has designed the set with lots of white clean walls, neutral furniture and various boxes and placards brandished with Oedipus’ face. The simple clear design allows us to focus on the action unfolding before us and as the room slowly clears over the course of the evening the intensity of the writing rises.
The myriad of characters each play their vital parts in this story; the mother who is full of fear and sadness, wishing to share a moment alone with her son who doesn’t see her as a priority, the brother in law who is often forgotten but works hard to gain success and the children who test their parents to think differently about things.
There is no word for this cast other than exceptional. Every member has been perfectly cast, their dynamics twist and change throughout the piece and we see multiple facets of each person. As the story becomes darker and darker we are treated to some incredible dramatic acting, particularly from Strong and Manville whose chemistry is full of sparks and fever pitch emotions. Oedipus goes on a journey through the piece, learning terrible things of his past, ‘future tellers’ putting seeds into his mind of things not being right which eat away at him. Mark Strong brings his full self to this role, going from strong statesman to wounded heartbroken man when he learns of his true parentage and loses his marriage in the process. Strong is a versatile actor with an ability to sit in quietness and hold the audience with him. This talent teamed with Manville’s manic energy which later moves into sadness and anguish is magical to watch. June Watson as Oedipus’ mother Merope gives a beautifully heartbreaking performance, a mother who feels lost and rejected by her son. Watson draws the audience into her character and we feel the fear and worry along with her.
This is a thrilling dark piece, with twists and turns (though not unexpected if you have an awareness of the Oedipus story) it still manages to shock the audience and leave us questioning the importance of truth and honesty in modern society.
This show was reviewed on the 16th October 2024 at the Wyndham's Theatre, London where it runs until the 4th January 2025. For details of the show please visit: Oedipus at Wyndham's Theatre in London's West End (wyndhamstheatre.co.uk)
Review written by Rosie Browne
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.