Getty Villa to Present Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus’

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

The Getty Villa will present its 16th annual outdoor theater production “Oedipus,” a bilingual production in American Sign Language and spoken English, beginning September 7.

The J. Paul Getty Museum and Los Angeles’ Tony Award-winning Deaf West Theatre collaborated for the production and “thrilling” take on Sophocles’ tragedy.

“In this visually rich and innovative reimagining of Sophocles’ classic play, ‘Oedipus’ unfolds as a murder mystery, a political thriller and a psychological whodunit,” according to a press release. “Throughout this fabled story of patricide and family complexities, King Oedipus is confronted not only with legacy and destiny but also culture and language. This reimagined production will center American Sign Language and incorporate present day technology, bringing new artistic facets to a classic piece of Greek literature.”

Broadway’s Russel Harvard takes on the title role as King Oedipus, joined by Ashlea Hayes, Amelia Hensley, Matthew Jaeger, Gregor Lopes, On Shiu, Andrew Morrill, Akia Takara, Alexandria Wailes and Jon Wolfe-Nelson.

Directed by Jenny Koons, the play will feature set design by Tanya Orellana, costumes by Jojo Siu, lighting design by Jared Sayeg, projection design by Yee Eun Nam, and music and sound design by Peter Bayne.

The show marks the Getty Villa’s first bilingual outdoor theater production.

“Bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities is central to Deaf West’s mission,” Artistic Director of Deaf West Theatre DJ Kurs said in a 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.”

Performances will take place Wednesday, September 7, through Saturday, October 1, at 8 p.m., with previews on Thursday, September 1 through 3, at 8 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $40 for Thursday, $42 for Friday and $48 for Saturday. Student and senior tickets are available for $36 on Thursday night performances only.

For additional information contact 310-440-7300 or visit getty.edu.