LONDON — The fundamental question of identity has troubled humanity for centuries, as reflected in the timeless tragedy of Oedipus by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. Now, that theme is being revisited on the London stage through a contemporary lens in Robert Icke’s dynamic adaptation of “Oedipus,” featuring screen actors Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. The production aims to challenge the audience’s perceptions of identity politics, suggesting these concerns are far from modern.
Audiences may assume they know the well-worn tale of a ruler who unwittingly kills his father and marries his mother, but the opening night at Wyndham’s Theatre still provoked gasps. Strong highlighted the varied reactions from the audience, noting the mix of surprise and laughter that filled the theater. “We had a little bit of everything, which is perfect,” he commented.
Set against the backdrop of a campaign headquarters during election night, Strong portrays Oedipus as a dynamic outsider politician on the cusp of an unprecedented victory, while Manville embodies his wife and political ally, Jocasta. The portrayal invites the audience to draw parallels with contemporary figures, evoking memories of political power couples such as the Clintons or the relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, Brigitte. Oedipus’s promise to release his birth certificate to silence rumors about his origins echoes modern “birther” controversies, demonstrating how tightly woven current politics is with ancient narratives.
As the plot unfolds, Oedipus’s hasty vow reveals a harrowing secret about his identity, leading to tragic consequences for himself and those around him. Strong emphasized the character’s tragic flaw—his compulsive need for honesty. He suggested that Oedipus’s unyielding quest for the truth ultimately sets off a series of tragic events.
The production, playing until January 4, has received accolades from various critics, with The Guardian praising its gripping nature and The Independent recognizing Icke’s ability to heighten suspense from a well-known story. Icke, a celebrated director in the UK known for revitalizing classic works, previously staged this production in Dutch in Amsterdam before the pandemic delayed its English version.
Strong and Manville have reunited for this stage production after their collaboration in the recent mystery film “The Critic.” Their on-screen chemistry translates powerfully to the stage, illustrating a couple facing tremendous challenges as they navigate political ambitions and family dynamics. Manville noted that, at its heart, the tale is a tragic love story.
Icke’s direction melds emotional depth with a sharp understanding of the narrative. “You can’t just dismiss this as something that happened thousands of years ago; we share the same human experiences today,” she stated. The themes resonate profoundly in an era dominated by ancestry DNA tests, prompting individuals to explore their lineage, increasing the relevance of Oedipus’s search for his place in the world.
Strong acknowledged that many people today yearn to understand their identities—“Maybe I’m a Viking. Who knows?” he mused—hinting at the potential upheaval that such discoveries can bring. Pondering Oedipus’s tale, he reflected that with such tools at his disposal, it might have spared the tragic hero much pain.