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Stravinsky
Oedipus RexNew production co-presented with Edinburgh International Festival
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh:
12, 18 & 19 August 2024, 8pm
Building on a well-honed model of 5-star community opera, Scottish Opera present a promenade performance of Igor Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex. The National Museum’s awe-inspiring Grand Gallery is a spectacular setting for a night of classical drama, exceptional vocal performances and moving orchestral music.
In the ancient city of Thebes, Oedipus has been crowned king. But as the Oracle prophesises that misfortune and intrigues throw doubts on the truth, it becomes ever more apparent that the new king cannot outrun his fate. A cathartic exploration of identity, free will, and the human condition, Oedipus Rex celebrates the bravery and resolve with which humans can face their destinies. The pioneering surrealist artist and poet Jean Cocteau wrote the libretto for this moving opera oratorio, inspired by Sophocles’ ancient drama and imbued with the chorus structure of Greek theatre. This is a timeless piece made anew for audiences today.
A 100-strong community chorus from across the Central Belt of Scotland joins Scottish Opera for this unique performance.
Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season
Kindly supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust
Show Details
Running time:
Approximately 1 hour.
Language:
Sung in Latin.
Contains themes of incest, murder, suicide and self-harm.
Tickets:
From £25.
Access:
Find out about access at the National Museum of Scotland>>
Cast & Creatives
Oedipus, King of Thebes
Shengzhi Ren
Jocasta, his Wife & Mother
Kitty Whately
Creon, Jocasta’s brother
Roland Wood
Tiresias, soothsayer
Callum Thorpe
Shepherd
Seumas Begg
Messenger
Emyr Wyn Jones
The Orchestra of Scottish Opera
The Chorus of Oedipus Rex
Conductor
Stuart Stratford
Director
Roxana Haines
Designer
Anna Orton
Lighting Designer
Robert B Dickson
Choreographer
Alex McCabe
Associate Designer
Ailsa Munro
Assistant Choreographer
Riccardo Olivier