oedipus
part one: Assembly
Oct 20-22, 2017
Centaur Theatre's Brave New Looks selection, 2017/18 season. A new adaptation of the Greek classic Oedipus Rex.
By Sophecles, Directed by Andreas Apergis, Adapted by Joseph Shragge from a literal translation by Lynn Kozak, original composition by Brian Lipson, Musical Direction by David Oppenheim, Assistant Musical Direction by Gitanjali Jain, Dramaturgy by Anthony Kennedy.
Stage Managed by Danielle Skene, Set Design by Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle, Costume and Lighting Design by Cathia Pagotto, Assistant Stage Manager Nikita Bala, Producer's Assistant Trevor Barrette, Technical Direction Catherine Fournier-Poirier.
Cast: Chip Chiupka, Alison Darcy, Gitanjali Jain, Marcel Jeannin, Theoharris 'Harry' Standjofski, Leni Parker, Mike Payette, France Rolland, Melissa Trottier, Janet Warrington, and Brett Watson
Musician: David Oppenheim
Featuring three Montreal community choirs: Choeur Maha, Montreal Artists Choir, and Zakynthines Phones.
Photo credits: Emilio Espinosa, Actors: Gitanjali Jain, Melissa Trottier and Janet Warrington, accompanied by members of Zakynthines Phones.
First produced 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece, the story centres on King Oedipus’ quest to rid Thebes of a devastating plague brought on by a mysterious curse. His pursuit of its cause has far-reaching consequences for the city and for himself. This performance was the first phase of a long-term creative development which will re-centre the play’s civic notion of public assembly, and ask what it means to be part of a large-scale appeal to power. An assembly of Montreal community choirs came together as the play’s chorus of Theban citizens and sang the choral odes en masse.
“The theatrical event of the Fall season.…An excellent, clear, limpid adaptation of an ancient script by Scapegoat Carnivale’s co-Artistic Director Joseph Shragge. The new script is poetic while remaining accessible, beautifully modern in its simplicity yet respectful of the mythology surrounding the troubling oracle of Oedipus.” - Zoneculture
“I was reminded of what a devastatingly effective play Oedipus is. This first stage of development is a cross between high mass and an epic detective story. Featuring a Montreal-based cast and three community choirs.” - Jim Burke, Montreal Gazette
“A beautiful adaptation and accessible literal translation makes this a must-see for anyone who has studied the classic Sophocles story and a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the epic tale.” - Lucy Segal, orcasound.com
“A total of about 65 people were on stage. When this one is remounted, I hope but doubt that it can re-assemble such a talented cast. Grateful to have caught it while I could.” - Byron Toben, westmountmag.ca
Video taken during rehearsals with Gitanjali Jain, Janet Warrington, David Oppenheim and Melissa Trottier.
