Is it possible to alter your destiny?

If you are thinking of that classic Greek mythological tale, then yes, it’s that story…with a twist.

Boldly directed by Loretta Greco, The Huntington continues Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus El Rey live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts extended through Sunday, June 14.  This semi-interactive and bilingual production contains adult themes and content including nudity. Taking place in engaging stadium seating, the production runs approximately 100 minutes without an intermission.  The program contains a valuable synopsis and guide of Spanish terms with translations.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Oedipus El Rey is a re-imagining of Sophocles’s classic tale and is one third of Luis Alfaro’s Greek trilogy.  The other two works include Sophocles’ Electra and Euripides’ Medea.  Oedipus El Rey is shared through a distinct lens about a man wrestling with destiny. 

Hana S. Kim’s barebones set comes to life through mystical, biblical, modern, and kaleidoscopic projected landscapes from shooting stars to prison bars to floral gardens. One of my favorite set pieces was the ice cream cart! Greco makes the most out of the intimate staging through the depiction of motion and scenes occurring side by side.  From finely-detailed and mythological headdresses to modern orange emblazoned jumpsuits and track suits with thick gold chains and baseball hats to chic denim and Latino-inspired gowns, Hana S. Kim ties together this tale transcending time right down to Jocasta’s laced up Greek sandals. 

Set in a contemporary urban Los Angeles landscape, Oedipus El Rey delivers universal themes with a dose of mysticism about the cost of relentless pride and infallibility. This world is raw and gritty while possessing its own distinct energy.  It has a passing resemblance to Baz Luhrman’s gritty setting in Romeo and Juliet which takes place in California and combines Mexico City, Miami and Los Angeles with Catholic imagery.

If you don’t already know this classic story, it is a poignant tale not for the faint at heart featuring a group of wise and discerning narrators who also act as a Greek chorus delivering a mix of satirical humor and commentary that can lighten this production’s heavier elements.

Shared in a penitentiary setting, this Greek chorus disguised as inmates not only keep time, but assume a number of pivotal roles. Jaime José Hernández, Victor Almanzar, Javier David, and Gabe Martínez share a fascinating and seemingly easygoing and amiable rapport delivering relatable, modern, dark and humorous commentary as they share this fluctuating tale that is once cynically amusing, grim the next and thoroughly intense.  It boasts music, celebration and comedy while still possessing all the elements to this at times shocking classic tale.  Alongside Juan Arturo as Oedipus, the group displays athleticism, activity and prowess with an urgency to outrun or outsmart their ultimate fate. 

Domineering gang leader Laius, fiercely portrayed by Gabe Martínez, learns he is expecting a baby with Melisa Soledad Pereyra as Laius’s faithful wife Jocasta.  However, when a seer foretells the baby’s fate, Laius takes drastic measures to prevent Oedipus’s ultimate destiny.

Juan Arturo as Oedipus sharply mixes hubris, resentment, rage and sympathy in a textured and intense performance.  Oedipus is a victim of circumstance and longs for meaning veiled in relentless ego and pride and brings overriding sympathy but not endearment beneath an array of shocking actions. 

Oedipus and Victor Almanzar as Tirasius share a complex and compelling relationship.  Almanzar is particularly impressive as compassionate Tirasius who possesses profound power behind stirring humility.  Melisa Soledad Pereyra also stands out as traditional and powerfully faithful Jocasta who demonstrates resilience through her struggle and resentment and Jaime José Hernández is charismatic as Jocasta’s protective brother Creon.

While I’m not a fan of Greek mythology and the classic tale of Oedipus isn’t one of my favorites, I can appreciate its resounding significance and moral messages.  What I enjoyed about Oedipus El Rey is its liveliness and the imaginative retelling while still managing to stay true to its timeless mythological roots.  The dark and occasionally lighthearted humor unexpectedly made me laugh quite a few times even as this troubling tale reached its inevitable climax and for that, I am grateful.

The Huntington continues Luis Alfaro’s Oedipus El Rey live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts extended through Sunday, June 14.  This semi-interactive and bilingual production contains adult themes and content including nudity. Click here for more information and for tickets.