‘The Gospel at Colonus’ Arrives at Getty Villa Outdoor Theater

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Performances of “The Gospel at Colonus” are set to premiere at Getty Villa on Thursday, September 7, with shows taking place through September 30.

“Soulful and stirring, this one-of-a-kind theatrical event reimagines the story of Oedipus as the centerpiece of a redemptive musical celebration,” according to a synopsis by Getty. “The blinded Oedipus arrives at the town of Colonus, near Athens, seeking rest after a lifetime of tragedy. But he is pursued by enemies, including his own son. Based on Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus at Colonus’ from the fifth century BCE, this adaptation blends Greek myth with Black spiritual practice for a jubilant, life-affirming journey.”

The adaptation and original lyrics are by Lee Breuer, with adapted lyrics by Breuer and Bob Telson. Music is also by Telson.

The show is directed by Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell, with Associate Director TaRon Patton. The show is co-produced by Court Theatre.

“A gorgeously produced, deeply inclusive and richly sung staging,” read a Chicago Tribune review of the show. “Court has put up something with an expansive vision and a directorial approach that respects what Telson and Breuer achieved but gently improves upon it for the current moment.”

All performances will take place at the Outdoor Theater beginning at 8 p.m.

“Each fall, this series features a classical tragedy or comedy in the Getty Villa’s dramatic Outdoor Theater, a venue modeled after ancient Greek and Roman theaters,” according to Getty.

Past productions in the series—which dates back to 2006, according to the Getty website—include “Oedipus” in 2022, “Lizastrata” in 2021 and “The Heal” in 2019.

“For many of you, the Villa’s classical theater program has become an annual tradition; others may be joining us for the first time,” wrote Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle director, in 2022’s program. “We hope to inspire a passion for the past and kindle memories of captivating stories of gods, heroes and villains from centuries past.”

There are previews scheduled for August 31, September 1 and September 2, with tickets priced at $30. For the run of the show, September 7 to 30, tickets are $45 for general admission on Thursdays, $40 for students and seniors. On Fridays, tickets are $50 and Saturdays, they are $55.

There are two ASL interpreted performances set to take place on September 14 and 21.

For tickets and more information, visit getty.edu.