Oedipus Rex is an utterly gut-wrenching and desolate production. Loosely based around the myth of Oedipus Rex, who killed his father and married his mother, the play, directed by Adena Jacobs, brings the notion of suffering and tragedy to life.
Blind, guilt-ridden and exiled, Oedipus (Peter Carroll) carries out his days being cared for by his daughter, Antigone (Andrea Demetriades). Exuding shame and abjection, the play takes us on a disturbing journey of the senses that resonates humiliation, powerlessness and vulnerability.
The dialogue is sparse and poetic in its delivery, but it is all we need. The meat of the story is delivered through pure, raw emotion. Carroll’s performance is absolutely mesmerising as the once-powerful king, reduced to a pathetic, self-annihilating old man. Demetriades is also outstanding as Oedipus’ carer, showing utmost resignation, disdain and a sense of anger towards her desolate and broken father.
Scenes are as bittersweet as they are depressing, with Carroll brilliantly exposing the weaknesses of an elderly man like you’ve never seen before. Although it is a confronting and at times disturbing performance, it is one that continuously draws you in.
Belvoir’s Oedipus Rex is an intense, bold and stark production that will leave you reeling for breath and shaking your head in awe and wonder. Don’t miss it.
5/5 stars
Oedipus Rex is playing at Belvoir St Theatre until Sunday September 14.
