Open to Public
The Oedipus Project: American Museum of Natural History
Free Event
As a catalyst for a powerful, audience-centered conversation about the climate crisis, ecological disaster, and environmental justice, The Oedipus Project will present a live dramatic reading of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King by acclaimed actors under the iconic blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History. Sophocles’ ancient play—a story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, intergenerational curses, and a pestilence and ecological collapse that ravages the archaic city of Thebes—resonates today as if it were written for our time.
Featuring performances by Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight), Amy Ryan (Only Murders in the Building), Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), David Zayas (Top Gun), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dopesick), Ato Blankson-Wood (When They See Us), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager, Theater of War Productions), David Patrick Kelly (Succession), Jumaane Williams (New York City Public Advocate).
Translated, directed, and facilitated by Bryan Doerries.
Co-presented by Theater of War Productions and the American Museum of Natural History.
Registration is Required. This event is full.
ASL interpretation will be provided for this event.
About the play
-
Oedipus the King by Sophocles
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King tells the story of an overconfident ruler during the time of a great plague, who refuses to listen to trusted advisors, ignores prophecy, and—after launching an investigation—discovers that he is the source of the contagion that is ravaging his people and his land. Upon uncovering the truth about himself and his role in the disaster, the king loses nearly everything—his crown, his wife, his power, his country, his honor—and wanders off into exile, a fate worse than death in ancient Greece. Oedipus the King is a timeless story about leadership, accountability, and the challenges faced by citizens and elected officials during pandemics and plagues.
Cast Members
-
Oscar Isaac
Oedipus
-
Amy Ryan
Jocasta
-
Liza Colón-Zayas
Tiresias
-
David Zayas
Messenger 1
-
Michael Stuhlbarg
Creon
-
Ato Blankson Wood
Messenger 2
-
Marjolaine Goldsmith
Priest
-
David Patrick Kelly
Shepherd
-
Jumaane Williams
Chorus
Co-presented by
Explore Projects
-
Consent & Sexual ViolenceTapeTape has been developed as a sexual assault awareness and prevention training program that uses dramatic readings of Stephen Belber’s 1999 play to ignite powerful discussions about consent, sexual assault, rape, and power dynamics.
-
GenocideThe InvestigationTheater of War Productions and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, in partnership with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, present readings of scenes Peter Weiss' play The Investigation, a piece of documentary theater adapted from the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963-1965. This project centers on guided discussions about mass murder and its lasting impact upon individuals, families, communities, and countries throughout the world. Performed by a diverse cast, including international performers from communities affected by genocide, The Investigation seeks to generate powerful dialogue across cultures and communities about the human capacity for evil, as well as the systems and hierarchies that create the conditions for unthinkable violence.
-
Natural DisasterBook of JobThe Book of Job Project presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of The Book of Job as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of natural and manmade disasters upon individuals, families, and communities.