When I read the programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, I jumped at the opportunity to see Igor Stravinsky’s opera Oedipus Rex. Not only is it one of the greatest Greek tragedies, it is being performed at The Scottish National Museum joined by a 100-strong community chorus. I knew immediately that this was going to be spectacular – I was correct! From the beautiful setting of the museum to the incredible talent of the performers, this production was incredibly special.
The National Museum of Scotland provided an extraordinary setting for the performance. The museum’s grand architecture, combined with its remarkable acoustics, created an atmosphere that was magical, but also added to the tragedy of Oedipus. The performers’ voices were projected with such strength that the character’s emotions carried around the entire museum. The despair from the chorus or the anguish from Oedipus’ cries, were not just heard but felt.
The orchestra became the heart of the performance. The talent and skill they possess is remarkable! They were placed in the middle of the hall, with catwalks on three sides allowing the actors to move around the space. This setup not only heightened the drama but also brought the audience into the centre of the action. Some performers were placed around the hall, for example the Gods were positioned on the balconies, looking down on their play-thing Oedipus. This added extra layers of depth and a sense of expansiveness to the production.
The costumes were absolutely gorgeous! The Gods wore bright colours and elaborate frills on huge dresses and robes, whilst the Royal Family of Thebes wore regal, gold capes and delicate golden headpieces. Each costume was meticulously crafted, adding to the visual spectacle.
The performances were exceptional! Our solo performers took us through the story, bringing to life the raw emotions and tragedies we have read before. Wendy Seager as the speaker, took us along this journey with a dash of fun, which contrasts from the disastrous tale we see on stage. Shengzhi Ren’s portrayal of Oedipus was particularly powerful. His vocal performance was nothing short of mesmerising, capturing both the vulnerability and the tragedy of the character. Creon played by Roland Wood gave a commanding performance, portraying the authority of his character and the tensions between him and Oedipus.
The Chorus was a highlight of this performance. Their presence was deeply integrated into the experience, moving among the audience and making us feel as though we were part of the city of Thebes. They stayed in character throughout, dancing with us and looking to us for answers as they went along with the story. They are incredibly talented and their energy is commendable.
The Scottish Opera’s Oedipus Rex was a triumph! It blended innovative staging and costumes, impeccable performances, and a setting that played into the themes of prophecy and history. The ancient story of Oedipus was brought vividly to life!
Oedipus Rex is playing until 19th of August @ The National Museum of Scotland.
Theatre Scotland 
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