A reincarnation of a Greek tragedy filled with blood, war and sex intends to bring a different light to classical theater. The Oedipus Cycle, a Lovers and Madmen production, opens at the Shanley Pavilion this weekend.
The play is a set of three acts (the individual plays Oedipus Tyrranus, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone) and spans no more than two hours – which are expected to fly by, as the play is set in a timeless abyss.
“These are plays that have been in the mind’s eye of the entire world for thousands of years,” says Communication sophomore Robin Willis, one of the play’s directors. “Something speaks to the time of the plays that they can survive for so long. That is why we have chosen to try to create a more timeless and ambiguous space for the play.”
There are, however, modern aspects of the play. The makeup is fierce, and the men are dressed in suits.
“Suits are power,” Willis says. “The style has changed, but men have been wearing suits since they got out of their loin cloths.”
The interior of Shanley Pavilion has been transformed into an indoor Greek amphitheatre, with tiered seating arranged in a semicircle. Sand covers the once-black floor. The natural-colored backgrounds and platforms complement the small desert.
The accessories are intended “to embrace elements of the ancient in terms of the modern,” Willis says.
The plays follow King Oedipus, the tragic hero, who was abandoned at birth because of a prophecy that leads to the unintentional murder of his father, as he marries and assumes control of the throne. If you recall high school literature classes, then you’re probably familiar with infamous scene in which Oedipus realizes he’s had an incestuous relationship with his mother.
Another vital character is King Creon, played by Communication junior Charlie Gaidica.
“He is the only main character who is in all three of the plays,” Gaidica says. “He starts off the in the first two plays as an adviser to the king. By the third play, he becomes king. I’ve been able to really take him under my wing and develop what I think Creon would do in all of these circumstances. It’s very much a character that I have created.”
All the actors have had a similar opportunity to play with their characters due The Oedipus Cycle’s long preparation time.
“We started during Reading Week of Winter Quarter. Compared to a lot of student productions, we’ve been rehearsing for a long, long time,” Communication Junior Erik Kaiko says.
“It’s been nice, especially (because) we were able to do a lot of movement work and ensemble building,” he says.
The physical and thematic work put into this Greek tragedy will give the audience a unique chance to experience it.
“This is an Oedipus that you may never see again. It’s a completely unique experience. It’s going to give you so many more ideas of what Greek theater can be about,” says Communication junior Jackie Intres.
“It’s going to challenge you to rethink why you go to theatre,” she says.
The Oedipus Cycle will be performed at Shanley Pavilion at 8 p.m. May 18, 19 and 20, with additional performances May 19 at 11 p.m. and May 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the general public. They are available at the door or online at www.loversandmadmen.com.
Medill freshman Jenny Fukumoto is a PLAY writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
