Mark Strong and Lesley Manville deliver a scorching performance in British writer-director Robert Icke's starkly intense Broadway revival of Sophocles' ancient tragedy "Oedipus". The two leads are utterly commanding, with Strong making an imposing Oedipus who splits the difference between regal and breakably real. He smolders with Manville's Jocasta, even if he probably shouldn't - a jarring but strangely effective dynamic that adds to the play's overall sense of unease.
Manville, meanwhile, is a revelation as the ideal wife of Oedipus, who harbors a subtle undercurrent of concern that deepens into a heart-wrenching despair. Her portrayal is both subtle and electrifying, like a crystal glass on the edge of a busy bar.
Icke's bold changes to the original tale are smart and human, rather than just dramatic flourishes. By adding characters like Oedipus' sons Eteocles and Polynices, he paints a picture of a sweet family unit that's minutes away from being obliterated. The result is a tragedy that feels all too relatable in today's world.
Strong and Manville are transfixing as the play hurtles towards its devastating climax, with revelation after revelation coming to light. Their performances are breathtakingly good, making it impossible not to be invested in their characters' downfall.
The production itself is a work of art, with Icke expertly harnessing the energy of the audience and the venue to create a truly immersive experience. While Studio 54's large space can be overwhelming at times, the crowd was rapt and eerily silent, hanging on every word.
If there's one criticism to be made, it's that a rushed final flashback sequence feels like an unnecessary afterthought. But this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a thrilling two-hour ride.
Overall, "Oedipus" is a masterclass in acting and direction, with Icke's bold vision bringing a modern relevance to a ancient tale. Strong and Manville are the perfect leads, delivering performances that will leave you breathless and heartbroken.
Manville, meanwhile, is a revelation as the ideal wife of Oedipus, who harbors a subtle undercurrent of concern that deepens into a heart-wrenching despair. Her portrayal is both subtle and electrifying, like a crystal glass on the edge of a busy bar.
Icke's bold changes to the original tale are smart and human, rather than just dramatic flourishes. By adding characters like Oedipus' sons Eteocles and Polynices, he paints a picture of a sweet family unit that's minutes away from being obliterated. The result is a tragedy that feels all too relatable in today's world.
Strong and Manville are transfixing as the play hurtles towards its devastating climax, with revelation after revelation coming to light. Their performances are breathtakingly good, making it impossible not to be invested in their characters' downfall.
The production itself is a work of art, with Icke expertly harnessing the energy of the audience and the venue to create a truly immersive experience. While Studio 54's large space can be overwhelming at times, the crowd was rapt and eerily silent, hanging on every word.
If there's one criticism to be made, it's that a rushed final flashback sequence feels like an unnecessary afterthought. But this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a thrilling two-hour ride.
Overall, "Oedipus" is a masterclass in acting and direction, with Icke's bold vision bringing a modern relevance to a ancient tale. Strong and Manville are the perfect leads, delivering performances that will leave you breathless and heartbroken.
. Mark Strong and Lesley Manville absolutely killed it as Oedipus and Jocasta, their chemistry on stage is palpable and makes you feel like you're watching a train wreck that you can't look away from 
. Robert Icke's direction is bold and smart, he really brings out the relatability of the ancient tragedy in today's world. The energy in the venue was electric and I loved how the cast used the space to create this immersive experience 
. But, gotta say, that final flashback sequence felt a bit rushed, like they were trying to cram too much into two hours 
. Still, overall it was an incredible production and if you get the chance to see it, grab tickets ASAP 
. The way Robert Icke reimagined the story and added new characters made it feel eerily relevant to today's world. I also loved how the set and lighting used Studio 54 to create this immersive experience 
. My only complaint is that the ending was a bit rushed, but overall this was just an amazing production - I'd totally see it again 
this revival of Sophocles' "Oedipus" is defo one for the books... Mark Strong and Lesley Manville's chemistry is electric 
it's so captivating. And Icke's changes to the original story are super smart, making it feel way more relatable today 
those added characters really drive home the point about how quickly our lives can go from good to terrible 
the production itself is top-notch, with an energy that just draws you in... my only gripe is that final flashback feels a bit rushed 
but overall, it's a must-see for anyone into theatre 
just had to shell out 200 bucks for tickets to see this "Oedipus" revival... I mean, I know it's classic theatre and all, but can't they do a free livestream or something? 
omg i just saw this revival of "Oedipus" on broadway and it was LIFE.CHANGING 
mark strong is literally the king as oedipus - he brings so much depth to the character, even makes you feel bad for him 
and lesley manville is... wow, her performance is like a punch to the gut in the best way possible 
The special effects were crazy 
didn't take away from the acting at all 
but overall? MASTERCLASS ALERT 
and btw can we talk about how jarring it was to see oedipus & jocasta's relationship be so intense 
just kidding but for real though, Robert Icke's bold changes to the original tale really make it relatable in today's world isn't it? Like, who hasn't felt like their family unit is about to fall apart at some point? Anyway, Mark Strong and Lesley Manville are def on point as Oedipus and Jocasta - they bring so much depth to those characters. The production itself is literally a work of art 
and lesley manville's jocasta is so underrated rn she brings this subtle yet electric energy to her character 
, and their performances will leave you SHAKEN 
. The way Robert Icke has reimagined the classic tale for modern times is PURE GENIUS 
, with a set that's both dark and intimate at the same time. Can't wait to see it live! 
. Strong and Manville are an unbeatable duo, delivering performances that will leave you breathless and heartbroken 
.
Oedipus is about to get his downfall...
The production is a work of art...but can it handle the truth?
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studio 54 could be overwhelming but the crowd was so engaged and silent it was like they were under some kind of spell