Oedipus Rex
NEW PRODUCTION
Experience Scottish Opera’s immersive staging of Igor Stravinsky’s opera in the unique setting of the National Museum of Scotland.
Scottish Opera presents a promenade performance of Igor Stravinsky's opera Oedipus Rex, joined by a 100-strong community chorus. The National Museum of Scotland's awe-inspiring Grand Gallery is a spectacular setting for a night of classical drama, exceptional vocal performances and moving orchestral music.
In the ancient city of Thebes, Oedipus has been crowned king, but the Oracle prophesises that misfortune is coming his way – can he defy his future and outrun his fate?
A cathartic exploration of identity, free will, and the human condition, the libretto for Oedipus Rex was written by the pioneering surrealist artist and poet Jean Cocteau. Inspired by Sophocles's ancient drama and imbued with the chorus structure of Greek theatre, this is a timeless piece made anew for audiences today.
Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.
…over the years, Scottish Opera has won the hearts and minds not only of its audiences and supporters, but a whole panoply of operatic stars.The List - on Scottish Opera's 60th Anniversary (2022)
worth every pennyThe Herald - on Scottish Opera's Barber of Seville (2023)
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Oedipus Rex Libretto (the text featured in the performance)
Director's note: A guide from Roxana Haines
A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.
Scottish Opera
Stuart Stratford Conductor
Roxana Haines Director
Anna Orton Designer
Alex McCabe Choreographer
Co-presented by Edinburgh International Festival & Scottish Opera.
Shengzhi Ren Oedipus, King of Thebes
Kitty Whately Jocasta
Roland Wood Creon
Emyr Wyn Jones Messenger
Callum Thorpe Tiresias
Seumas Begg Shepherd
The Gods
Samuel Alberti
Ines Alberty
Fiona Allen
Sara Baumert
Eileen Henry
Joe Kelly
Charlie Walton
Rachael Wood
Read the director’s note, synopsis, a translation of the libretto, more about the characters and full performance credits here