Oedipus

Oedipus
Studio 54
December 23, 2025

Photo courtesy of Oedipus

Robert Icke’s version of Sophocles’ Oedipus is riveting.  The story is set in the present, driven by desire for power.  Every word in this adaptation is purposeful.  Every action is intentional.  The cast is focused and connected.  The characters are aggressively ambitious.  The tension builds at a perpetual pace, erupting at moments of heightened frustration.  Every minute of the two hour running time (with no intermission) is intensely absorbing. 

It is election night.  Oedipus (played by Mark Strong) is running for office.  He has a solid lead in the pools and makes a few last-minute promises.  He vows to release his birth certificate, proving his citizenship and calming concerns about his commitment level.  He also promises to start an investigation into the murder of Laius, his wife Jocaste’s first husband, who ruled the country until his murder decades earlier.  Oedipus’s campaign manager, Creon (played by John Carroll Lynch), knows the truth about the events leading to Laius’ death, and is uncomfortable that Oedipus made the decision to investigate without conferring with him first.  When Oedipus’ mother, Merope (played by Anne Reid), hears that Oedipus is planning to turn over his birth certificate, she leaves her husband’s deathbed and travels to see him.  Jocasta (played by Lesley Manville) prepares a surprise dinner for Oedipus at the campaign office.  She secretly invites their three children, Antigone (played by Olivia Reis), Polyneices (played by James Wilbraham), and Eteocles (played by Jordan Scowen), to celebrate Oedipus’ impending victory.  Before they arrive, Oedipus is visited by a blind beggar, Teiresias (played by Samuel Brewer), who shares three predictions, which shifts Oedipus’ demeanor. 

Lesley Manville & Mark Strong
Photo courtesy of Oedipus

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville are brilliant together.  Mr. Strong’s Oedipus is indomitable and
explosive.  Ms. Manville portrays Jocasta as determined and vivacious.  Their passion and attraction are robust.  Their bond is visceral.  Ms. Manville stunningly delivers a long speech, revealing her abusive marriage to Laius and the birth of her first child, at fourteen years of age.  This important backstory is beautifully written.  The details are gruesome and specific, allowing for the scope of the Oedipus myth to be relevant in modern times. 

Olivia Reis, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Jordan Scowen, & James Wilbraham
Photo courtesy of Oedipus

Mr. Icke’s adaptation fully acknowledges that every member of the audience knows the outcome of the story.  The opening scene, which is filmed, sets up the premise and the subsequent downfall of the characters.  The tension and suspense build as the audience waits for the reveal.  It does not disappoint.  When the truth is fully comprehended by Oedipus and Jocasta, they are in shock.  It is personal and tragic.  The audience holds their breath to see how they will proceed.  As they start responding, the ending becomes uncertain.

Oedipus is playing at Studio 54 through February 8.  It is a powerful adaptation, brilliantly directed, and masterfully performed. 

Domenick Danza