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
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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
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Oscar Isaac
Oedipus
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Amy Ryan
Jocasta
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Liza Colón-Zayas
Tiresias
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David Zayas
Messenger 1
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Michael Stuhlbarg
Creon
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Ato Blankson Wood
Messenger 2
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Marjolaine Goldsmith
Priest
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David Patrick Kelly
Shepherd
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Jumaane Williams
Chorus
Co-presented by
Explore Projects
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Caregiving & DeathTheater of War FrontlineTheater of War Frontline is an innovative project—developed by Theater of War Productions, the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Johns Hopkins Program in Arts, Humanities & Health—that presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of scenes from ancient Greek plays for audiences of frontline medical professionals to open up powerful dialogue about difficult subjects, fostering a sense of connection and promoting health-seeking behavior. By presenting ancient plays to doctors, nurses, EMTs, respiratory therapists, and the frontline community about emotionally-charged, ethically complex situations, Theater of War Frontline aims to create a brave space for open, candid dialogue and reflection, fostering compassion, a renewed sense of community, and positive action.
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Pandemic & Climate CrisisThe Oedipus ProjectThe Oedipus Project presents acclaimed actors reading scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, constructive, global conversations about the climate crisis, ecological disaster, environmental justice, and healing online conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon diverse communities throughout the world. Sophocles’ ancient play, first performed in 429 BC, just after the first wave of a plague that killed nearly one-third of the Athenian population, is a story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, intergenerational curses, and a pestilence and ecological collapse that ravages the archaic city of Thebes. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King appears to have been a powerful tool for helping Athenians communalize trauma and loss, while interrogating their own complicit role in the suffering, not just of those around them but of generations to come.
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Racism & Social JusticeAntigone in SavannahDramatic readings of Sophocles’ Antigone with live music to frame powerful dialogue about honoring the dead and healing historical wounds.