‘Oedipus Rex’ a powerful dramatic history lesson
- Share via
Classical Greek tragedy does not come our way often, and when the rare
occasion arrives, it offers not only theatrical entertainment but an
opportunity to examine the very roots of theater itself.
Currently, Golden West College is offering such a history lesson with
its powerful production of Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex.” Director Tom Amen,
long a student of Greek drama, has mounted a riveting version of what
some historians call the greatest play ever written.
Tragedy, as defined by those who created the form, involves the
capitulation of the mighty, a fall from the heights of power, as
Shakespeare later illustrated in such classics as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,”
“Othello” and “King Lear.” In “Oedipus” -- first produced in 430 B.C. --
the title character is a wise and just ruler whose obsession to learn the
secrets of his past ultimately proves his undoing.
Of course, few will be astonished by the outcome, since the hero’s
name has long since come to define the complex brought about by an
unhealthy mother-son relationship. In the case of Sophocles’ play, the
king is haunted by prophecies that he would -- however unwittingly --
murder his father and marry his mother. Despite his efforts to avoid this
scenario, his fate is in the hands of the gods, who manipulate mortals at
their will.
In the Golden West production, Mark Bedard superbly enacts the title
role of a king striving to eradicate a plague of sorts from his homeland
of Thebes without realizing that he himself is its cause.
Bedard exudes tremendous character strength, gaining emotional support
from his subjects -- and the audience as well -- despite its
foreknowledge of the outcome.
Lindsey Mixon is a loving and supportive Jocaste, Oedipus’ wife, with
whom he has fathered two children. Mixon is a futile voice of restraint
and reason, desperately striving to circumvent the events that will seal
her fate as well as her husband’s.
As the passionate but measured Creon, Josh Matheson is a strong
adversarial voice. Stephen Silva is particularly effective as Teiresias,
a blind soothsayer whose words open the floodgates of the tragedy. Bruce
Alexander skillfully heads the chorus, an ensemble device for amplifying
the scope of the drama, speaking in one voice.
Shepherds Matt Lloyd and Jim Perham render adequate support in tying
the missing pieces together, though their level of performance is a notch
or two below the others. Christa Mathis excels in the play’s latter
moments, explaining the consequences of the tragic tale.
“Oedipus Rex” plays out against an imposing backdrop created by set
designer Sigrid Wolf, which approximates an ancient theatrical arena.
Wolf also fashioned the stunning lighting effects. Costumes and makeup
-- particularly Oedipus’ final appearance -- are splendidly accomplished
by Robin S. Whitney.
While Greek tragedy may not be all playgoers’ cup of tea, Amen and his
Golden West company have rendered the form extremely palatable with their
production of “Oedipus Rex.” It’s a history lesson that throbs with
immediacy.
* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.
F.Y.I.
WHAT: ‘Oedipus Rex”
WHERE: Golden West College Mainstage Theater
WHEN: Closing performances tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday
at 3 p.m.
COST: $8.50 to $10.50
PHONE: (714) 895-8150
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.