Theater of War Productions Presents Virtual Event: Oedipus The King
by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | August 26, 2020
UPDATE: View images of the virtual play event in our Gallery here
The Oedipus Project presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon individuals, families, and communities. Oedipus the King is a timeless story about arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, and a pestilence that ravages the city of Thebes. At the time the play was first performed in 429 BC, the audience would have been reeling in the wake of a plague. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King seems as relevant now as it was in its own time.
This special live event will feature performances by Kathryn Hunter, Damian Lewis, Lesley Sharp, Clarke Peters, Jason Isaacs, Nyasha Hatendi, Brian F. O’Byrne, and Nick Holder. Translated, directed and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
The Zoom link to the free event will be distributed and available to registered attendees starting two days prior to the event. You must register for free tickets here.
Date And Time:
Thursday, September 3, 2020
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM CDT
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM EST
7:00 PM – 10:30 PM BST
All Theater of War Productions events follow the same format:
- The actors will read the play
- Four community panelists will kick-off the discussion with their gut responses to what resonated with them across time
- They will open the discussion to the audience, facilitated by Bryan Doerries. During the discussion, please raise your hand using the button at the bottom center of the screen. If called upon, you will be promoted to speak and you will be visible and heard by the entire audience for the duration of your comments. If you would prefer not to be seen, please disable your video when entering the event.
To experience this event, please download Zoom to your laptop or mobile device here
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King tells the story of an overconfident ruler during the time of a great plague, who refuses to listen to trusted advisors, ignores prophecy, and—after launching an investigation—discovers that he is the source of the contagion that is ravaging his people and his land. Upon uncovering the truth about himself and his role in the disaster, the king loses nearly everything—his crown, his wife, his power, his country, his honor—and wanders off into exile, a fate worse than death in ancient Greece. Oedipus the King is a timeless story about leadership, accountability, and the challenges faced by citizens and elected officials during pandemics and plagues.
Source: Theater of War Productions
Fantastic read analyzing Greek Tragedies to modern day: The New Yorker
The best live theater to stream online: Time Out New York