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
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every performance. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in all areas of the performance space. Select your seat(s) and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
Opera Lovers: Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Oedipus Rex, Così fan tutte, and Capriccio) and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.