IRT takes on timeless tragedy of Oedipus with modern touches

Original artwork by Kyle Ragsdale

Indiana Repertory Theatre takes on timeless tragedy of Oedipus with modern touches
50th Season continues with the ancient Greek story of fate, human nature, and secrecy

Indianapolis, Ind.— For the fifth production in IRT’s 50th Anniversary Season, the Theatre will stage a modern adaptation of the ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus, complemented by live music onstage. Directed by IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence James Still, the show will run on the OneAmerica Mainstage February 22 – March 18, 2023. This compelling story of fate, human nature, and the devastating peril of secrets was written by Sophocles and adapted by David Daniel, an actor, director, and US Army veteran.

“There is so much in this play. There is a murder mystery, a love story between a leader and his people, a treatise on hubris, a debate of divine morality, a tug of war between Fate and Free Will, and so much more,” said adapter David Daniel.

The original text of this adaptation, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, is widely considered the finest of all Greek tragedies. It is thought to have been written and first performed around 429 BCE. The story follows Oedipus, an extraordinary hero who is courageous, flawed, determined to do what he must to protect his community—even if it means his own undoing.

“The play is a study in leadership, and since we live in a country so riven by opposing views of what constitutes good leadership, this is a particularly timely debate,” said Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen. “For many years I have searched for a translation/adaptation that would meet us where we are, and about a year ago, I finally found this extremely sleek and actable version that makes the story spring to life in thrilling ways.”

Helping bring this story to life is Indianapolis native, actor David Alan Anderson, who will play the title character of Oedipus. Over the years, IRT audiences have seen him in The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, Fences, Julius Caesar, A Christmas Carol, and many others. Joining Anderson onstage will be a few other familiar faces, including local favorites Ryan Artzberger and Jan Lucas, along with Mary Beth Fisher, who has performed in two of James Still’s original works at the IRT, and Trieu Tran, who was in The Chinese Lady earlier this season.

“I’ve discovered that the ways that fate and free will are emotionally at war with one another in Oedipus aren’t that far from our modern-day struggles with conflicting extremes,” Director James Still said. “I urge you to watch/listen/feel the story of Oedipus as it unfolds with unrelenting directness.”

The IRT will host multiple Talk Backs and Community Conversations during the production. For information on additional programming surrounding the run of Oedipus, please visit irtlive.com.

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  February 22 – March 18, various times. Oedipus is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. Oedipus contains profanity and descriptions of incest, murder, suicide, and self-mutilation. Recommended for patrons 9th grade and above.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
DAVID ALAN ANDERSON | Oedipus
RYAN ARTZBERGER | Corinthian
OLIVIA D. DAWSON | Priest
JED FEDER | Musician & Chorus
MARY BETH FISHER | Jocasta
JAN LUCAS | Shepherd
SOLA THOMPSON | One from Within
TRIEU TRAN | Creon
LISA WOLPE | Tiresias
 
DAVID DANIEL | Adapter
JAMES STILL | Director
CAREY WONG | Scenic Designer
SARA RYUNG CLEMENT | Costume Designer
MICHELLE HABECK | Lighting Designer
LINDSAY JONES | Composer & Sound Designer
MARIEL GREENLEE | Movement
RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg
NATHAN GARRISON | Stage Manager
CLAIRE SIMON CSA | Casting


SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:

PRE-SHOW CHATS
Patrons can enjoy a Pre-Show Chat hosted by IRT staff and artists. Pre-Show Chats begin 45 minutes prior to the scheduled performance and last 20 minutes.

OPENING NIGHT | Friday, February 24, 2023 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Raise a glass and cheers to the cast and crew at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, delight in a champagne toast and a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans (masks required onstage).

TALK BACK | Saturday, March 4, 2023 | Following the 5 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE | Sunday, March 5, 2023 | Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.

TALK BACK | Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | Following the 6:30 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.
 
For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Associate Director of Marketing, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

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ABOUT THE IRT

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.
 

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