Review: OEDIPUS, Old Vic Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Oedipus, newly adapted by Ella Hickson and co-directed by Hofesh Shechter and Matthew Warchus, envelops the audience in a brooding atmosphere from the very start. While it preserves the fundamental themes of Sophocles’ original, this production injects modern flair through its blend of text, movement, and striking stagecraft. This inventive reimagining of Sophocles’ Oedipus plunges the audience into a world charged with tension from the moment the lights go down. Though the tale retains its ancient roots—a man unknowingly fated to kill his father and marry his mother—this production infuses a modern spirit throughout.
A hallmark of this version is Hofesh Shechter’s choreography, which replaces a traditional Greek chorus with a vigorous ensemble of dancers. Their fluid, percussive routines possess an arresting energy that can be mesmerizing to watch, but they sometimes appear so frequently that they overshadow the main storyline. As a result, the emotional thread involving Oedipus and those closest to him occasionally takes a back seat to the spectacle.
When the focus shifts to the primary characters, Indira Varma shines in a pivotal role as Jocasta. Jocasta is one of the most compelling characters in the production, embodying strength and conviction throughout. Firmly set in her beliefs about what is right, she is the only one who seems to maintain clarity amidst the chaos. She repeatedly tries to guide Oedipus, offering him wisdom and caution, yet it is her heart-breaking realisation that her beloved husband is, in fact, her son, that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. The anguish she portrays in this moment is palpable, revealing a depth of emotional vulnerability that resonates deeply. Varma’s portrayal of Jocasta captures both her strength and her fragility, making her a truly unforgettable presence on stage.
Rami Malek, cast as Oedipus, brings a solemn intensity to his quest for answers. While his pacing of the text, not to mention his demeaner can feel a touch stiff—leading to a disconnection for the audience—overall, he conveys the weight of Oedipus’s burden with determined resolve.
Despite a few narrative gaps—particularly around the exact circumstances of Elias’s death— Ella Hickson’s newly adapted script deftly balances lyrical and contemporary language making it completely accessible for the audience. Visually, the production is stunning, particularly in its use of lighting and set design to amplify the tension and emotional weight of the story. A bare stage with only a raised, illuminated platform focuses attention on major confrontations. But it is the repeated imagery of Oedipus and his wife—or the entire family—walking toward the audience against a glowing orange backdrop, while remaining in shadow until they reach the stage, that creates a powerful visual motif. As they step into the light, the contrast between the stark shadows and their sudden illumination on stage is striking. The effect, heightens the sense of inevitability and doom that hangs over the family and places the audience in the role of citizens hearing Oedipus’s proclamations, a very clever way of immersing the audience into the story unfolding.
Not every technical element lands perfectly. The record player used to convey cryptic messages is often muffled, obscuring vital lines. Conversely, the Prophet’s Tiresias, played by Cecilia Noble, delivers both tension and occasional humour, creating memorable highlights that add intensity to the stage. Upstage, the use of actual rainfall further heightens the theatricality, particularly when the dancers perform under the cascading water in a pivotal moment within the story.
While the actors and ensemble work tirelessly to build tension toward a climactic moment, the payoff ultimately falls short. Despite the growing intensity, the expected resolution never quite arrives, making the ending feel anticlimactic in comparison to the anticipation that has been carefully constructed throughout the production.
Nonetheless, this collaborative venture by Hofesh Shechter and Matthew Warchus remains a bold, visually gripping take on a timeless story. Indira Varma’s compelling portrayal of Jocasta, the strong ensemble work, and the skilled application of lighting and sound merge into a cohesive whole that, despite minor missteps, is still a compelling night at the theatre.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Laura Harris
Oedipus plays at London’s Old Vic Theatre until 29 March, with tickets available here.
