‘Oedipus Rex’ a powerful dramatic history lesson

Classical Greek tragedy does not come our way often, and when the rare

occasion arrives, it offers not only theatrical entertainment but an

opportunity to examine the very roots of theater itself.

Currently, Golden West College is offering such a history lesson with

its powerful production of Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex.” Director Tom Amen,

long a student of Greek drama, has mounted a riveting version of what

some historians call the greatest play ever written.

Tragedy, as defined by those who created the form, involves the

capitulation of the mighty, a fall from the heights of power, as

Shakespeare later illustrated in such classics as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,”

“Othello” and “King Lear.” In “Oedipus” -- first produced in 430 B.C. --

the title character is a wise and just ruler whose obsession to learn the

secrets of his past ultimately proves his undoing.

Of course, few will be astonished by the outcome, since the hero’s

name has long since come to define the complex brought about by an

unhealthy mother-son relationship. In the case of Sophocles’ play, the

king is haunted by prophecies that he would -- however unwittingly --

murder his father and marry his mother. Despite his efforts to avoid this

scenario, his fate is in the hands of the gods, who manipulate mortals at

their will.

In the Golden West production, Mark Bedard superbly enacts the title

role of a king striving to eradicate a plague of sorts from his homeland

of Thebes without realizing that he himself is its cause.

Bedard exudes tremendous character strength, gaining emotional support

from his subjects -- and the audience as well -- despite its

foreknowledge of the outcome.

Lindsey Mixon is a loving and supportive Jocaste, Oedipus’ wife, with

whom he has fathered two children. Mixon is a futile voice of restraint

and reason, desperately striving to circumvent the events that will seal

her fate as well as her husband’s.

As the passionate but measured Creon, Josh Matheson is a strong

adversarial voice. Stephen Silva is particularly effective as Teiresias,

a blind soothsayer whose words open the floodgates of the tragedy. Bruce

Alexander skillfully heads the chorus, an ensemble device for amplifying

the scope of the drama, speaking in one voice.

Shepherds Matt Lloyd and Jim Perham render adequate support in tying

the missing pieces together, though their level of performance is a notch

or two below the others. Christa Mathis excels in the play’s latter

moments, explaining the consequences of the tragic tale.

“Oedipus Rex” plays out against an imposing backdrop created by set

designer Sigrid Wolf, which approximates an ancient theatrical arena.

Wolf also fashioned the stunning lighting effects. Costumes and makeup

-- particularly Oedipus’ final appearance -- are splendidly accomplished

by Robin S. Whitney.

While Greek tragedy may not be all playgoers’ cup of tea, Amen and his

Golden West company have rendered the form extremely palatable with their

production of “Oedipus Rex.” It’s a history lesson that throbs with

immediacy.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.

F.Y.I.

WHAT: ‘Oedipus Rex”

WHERE: Golden West College Mainstage Theater

WHEN: Closing performances tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday

at 3 p.m.

COST: $8.50 to $10.50

PHONE: (714) 895-8150