Luis Alfaro’s modern day adaptation of “Oedipus the King”, or “Oedipus Rex”, takes this tragic tale to the streets of gangland Los Angeles. It is there we meet young Oedipus, who was secretly spared after his father, the current “king”, condemned him to death after hearing the prophecy he would one day be killed by his son. Directed by Chay Yew, “Oedipus el Ray” takes the audience inside gang and prison culture asking the question, “Is the fate of a person of a certain race and class to remain trapped in a system no matter how hard he or she tries to escape?”
With strong performances from lead Adam Poss (Oedipus), Eddie Torres (Tiresius), Madrid St. Angelo (Laius) and Charin Alverez (Jocasta), the audience is taken to a gritty reality of senseless tragedy and hopelessness. Set designer Kevin Depinet creates the perfect environment to host such a story while David Hyman provides just the right urban touches with his costume design to pull off the realistic surroundings.
Just a note to anyone concerned that “Oedipus el Ray” does contain a lengthy bedroom scene containing full frontal nudity – a scene that could have been just as effective in underwear or in sheets. There is also a good share of mature language, although that is necessary in creating the right setting.
All in all “Oedipus el Ray” gets its point across while remaining entertaining.
“Oedipus el Ray” is playing through July 29th. For more information visit www.victorygardens.org. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater is located at 2433 N. Lincoln.
