Oedipus

The Old Vic announces the world premiere of Ella Hickson’s Oedipus, starring Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time to Die) and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma (Present Laughter, Game of Thrones). Based on Sophocles’ play from c. 429 BC, this adaptation by Old Vic Associate Artist Ella Hickson will be co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter in a strictly limited run from January 2025.

The Old Vic Artistic Director, Matthew Warchus, said:
‘Sophocles’ play, arguably the best-plotted tale ever told, is the original detective story. 2,450 years since it was written, we still we find ourselves captivated by the intractable questions at the core of its drama: of the sometimes destructive outcomes in our quest for knowledge; how much we’re in control of our fate, or if we’re mostly living out a pre-written script that we’re completely powerless to change. I’m so excited to be co-directing this extraordinary play, in a dazzling new version by Ella Hickson, alongside the phenomenal choreographer Hofesh Shechter. And I am thrilled to announce the brilliant Rami Malek and Indira Varma in the lead roles.’

OEDIPUS
21 Jan–29 Mar 2025
An Old Vic production in association with Hofesh Shechter Company

‘Vengeance will be taken on the killer, then the land will be clean. The contamination will be washed away. The rains will come and the people will be healed.’

It’s a cold case but, according to the Oracle, if the murderer of old King Laius is found and punished then all will be well. The people turn to their new King, Oedipus, the man who solved the riddle of the Sphinx, to hunt down the perpetrator and bring salvation. He vows to succeed whatever the cost and so begins an unstoppable pursuit of the truth through a harrowing labyrinth of fear and love.

Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die) and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma (Present Laughter, Game of Thrones) star in Ella Hickson’s intimate and revelatory version of Sophocles’ transcendent tragedy, Oedipus, co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter.