Oedipus completes its limited run with a final performance at Getty Villa's Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater October 1. Los Angeles’ Tony-winning Deaf West Theatre and Getty Museum present the bilingual, outdoor production, which began previews September 1 and officially opened September 7.
Performed in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English, the production stars Russell Harvard (To Kill a Mockingbird) as the titular King Oedipus, joined by fellow Broadway veterans Alexandria Wailes (For Colored Girls), Amelia Hensley (Spring Awakening), and Matthew Jaeger (Children of a Lesser God). Ashlea Hayes (Switched at Birth), Gregor Lopes (Fidelio), Andrew Morrill (The Music Man), On Shiu (The Female Gaze), Akia Takara (All About Araya), and Jon Wolfe Nelson (The L Word) round out the cast.
The psychological murder mystery-meets-political thriller follows King Oedipus as he faces the complexities of legacy, destiny, culture, and language, reimagining the Greek tragedy by centering ASL and using new technology.
“Bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities is central to Deaf West’s mission,” said DJ Kurs, artistic director of Deaf West Theatre, in an earlier statement. “We are excited to bring new life to this classic story. We are thrilled at the opportunity to build upon the early precepts of the art form of theater, such as staging and body language.”
Director Jenny Koons helms the creative team comprising set designer Tanya Orellana, costume designer Jojo Siu, lighting designer Jared A. Sayeg, projection designer Yee Eun Nam, and music and sound designer Peter Bayne. Andrew Morrill and Alexandria Wailes serve as ASL choreographers. Producing for Deaf West Theatre are DJ Kurs and Laura Hill.
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Look at photos of Deaf West's Broadway revival of Spring Awakening:
