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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Pandemic & Climate CrisisThe Oedipus ProjectThe Oedipus Project presents acclaimed actors reading scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, constructive, global discussions about the climate crisis, ecological disaster, ethical leadership, and environmental justice. 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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Ethics & The Justice SystemTheater of LawDeveloped with New York University’s Forum on Law, Culture, & Society, and designed as a professional development program for legal professionals, as well as for the general public, Theater of Law drives conversations about moral justice in the court system. The project is aimed at engaging audiences who have in some way been disenfranchised by the law in constructive, powerful dialogue.
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Caregiving & DeathEnd of LifeEnd of Life presents readings of ancient Greek plays in public settings and medical communities as a catalyst for facilitated discussions about challenges faced by patients, families, and health professionals today around end of life care. This unique, participatory event is intended to promote powerful, open discussion among diverse communities - public and professional - fostering compassion, cooperation, and understanding about living with chronic suffering and the mortality we all share.