Open to Public

The Oedipus Project: American Museum of Natural History

Pandemic & Climate Crisis

The Oedipus Project

Translated, Directed, and Facilitated Bryan Doerries

Venue

Free Event

Wed, Sep 20.2023 7:00 PM

American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West
Manhattan, New York

Blue Whale Model Part of Hall of Ocean Life. D. Finnin/© AMNH

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.

Oscar Isaac plays Oedipus in the premiere of the Oedipus Project on May 7, 2020

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.