After The Applause

I booked very early for this show. Almost a year ago did the Old Vic announce that they were putting on a production of Oedipus with Rami Malek and Indira Varma and as a massive fan of Malek in Mr Robot and his OSCAR Wining performance in Bohemian Rhapsody, it was a must watch in my eyes. Unfortunately, this production felt lethargic at times with its bursts of action short lived and whilst Malek and Varma rule the stage it seems as though the Greek Chorus’ of energetic dancers steal the show…

The stage is dark when you enter the Old Vic, it does represent that feeling of the drought quite effectively and as the audience come in we see Maleks eyes projected becoming clearer and clearer. Suddenly Hofesh Schecter’s music blasts the walls of the Old Vic and his incredibly talented dancers begin their flurry of movements mimicking the desperation of the people of Thebes. The music is a mix of techno along with sort of religious chants and the dancers are incredible. These first 15 minutes were a joy to watch.

We see Malek emerge from the dancers and begin his performance, he commands the stage and has the presence of a king. His interpretation of King Oedipus could be considered unorthodox, however for me it worked well with Hickson’s less poetic and more modern script. However this is where my problem starts with this production, whilst Malek had only been on stage a matter of minutes we are suddenly whisked into another dance. Whilst I can’t complain at the quality of the choreography it sometimes felt mistimed for the pace of the action.

Tom Visser’s lighting is absolutely remarkable and the illumination of the convulsing shapes of the dance troupe is just superb. This paired with Rae Smiths set mean that the stage is presented perfectly and fits the costumes as well as the script!

Malek and Varma are a real power couple in this play, taking the material written by Hickson and producing a powerful portrayal of the scene of realisation. Hickson’s script is a very well worked retelling of the story however I wish that there was more of it in exchange for less dancing.

I can’t complain about the ending however, the mixture of dance, sound, lighting and acting was spot on and left me feeling rather emotional as Antigone led her blinded father to safety.

The Hofesh Shechter Dance company are truly superb at what they do and are a fabulous Greek Chorus displaying the desperation and hope of the Thebian People.

There is also good performances from Nicholas Khan and Cecilia Noble as Creon and Tiresias.

MY VERDICT:

The production design is superb however the whole putting together of the play feels like they’ve mashed a dance show and a play together and it was a bit like marmite sometimes i liked it sometimes i didn’t. Malek has had his critics however he acts well in this play alongside Varma who is always excellent on the stage (Present Laughter).

My standout performers were: Rami Malek, Indira Varma and the Hofesh Shechter Dance Company.

Oedipus is playing at The Old Vic in London until the 29th March and I would only recommend if you are a fan of physical theatre/dance as there is a lot of it!