Theater of War Productions, a company that presents “community-specific, theater-based projects that address pressing public health and social issues,” has announced their innovative new digital initiative — The Oedipus Project.
The Oedipus Project will feature a cast of actors performing scenes from Sophocles’ ancient play Oedipus the King, which was written and performed in 429 BC as a plague took the lives of one-third of the Athenian population. The goal of this performance is to then lead to “powerful, healing online conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon diverse communities throughout the United States.”
Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries, The Oedipus Project will feature performances by Oscar Isaac, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, John Turturro, David Stratharin, Frankie Faison, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
Viewers can expect for the format of this event to be similar to Theater of War’s live events: the play will be read by the actors, four community panelists will open up a discussion, and then the audience will be invited to participate as well.
This free event will take place via Zoom on Thursday, May 7. Virtual attendees must register here, and can expect to receive a Zoom link prior to the event.
