Author Rowan Keith
Published 29/08/2024
Oedipus is a Greek tragedy
telling the story of a mythical king of Thebes. Originally written by Sophocles in 429 BC, the play follows King Oedipus. With his kingdom facing ruin, Oedipus sets out to fulfil the Oracle’s prophecy and bring salvation to his people by solving the murder of the previous King Laius.
This version was
conceived, commissioned and developed by Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, director of the Olivier Award-winning Groundhog Day and the smash-hit festive favourite A Christmas Carol. He has also directed many other West End and Broadway shows, including Matilda The Musical, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Director in 2012, as well as the film adaptation Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and the multi award-winning film Pride.
Sophocles’ text has been adapted by Ella Hickson
An associate artist of The Old Vic, Ella Hickson is an award-winning playwright and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Her plays include Adult Children at the Donmar, Anna at the National Theatre and Wendy and Peter at the RSC.
Hofesh Shechter OBE,
Artistic Director of the Hofesh Shechter Company, and Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus co-direct this production. Shechter is an award-winning choreographer, composer and filmmaker. His work in theatre includes Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway), The Arsonists (Royal Court) and Saint Joan (National Theatre). His repertoire for the Hofesh Shechter Company includes Political Mother, Grand Finale — Olivier Award nominated, From England with Love and Theatre of Dreams, and his opera and multi-disciplinary works include Two Boys (Met Opera, New York) and Orphée et Eurydice (ROH/La Scala, Milan). He is co-director, choreographer and composer for Oedipus, and the production will feature dancers from the Hofesh Shechter Company.
Indira Varma plays Jocasta,
Oedipus’ wife. Varma has starred in television shows including Luther, Torchwood and Game of Thrones, and has performed at theatres including the National Theatre, the Young Vic and the Royal Court. She has previously performed at The Old Vic in Present Laughter, for which she won an Olivier Award, and also starred in Matthew Warchus’ In Camera adaptation of Faith Healer.
Rami Malek plays Oedipus.
Malek’s previous work includes No Time to Die and Bohemian Rhapsody, for which he won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. This is his Old Vic debut.