Oedipus is doomed by twists of fate (and the Greek propensity to believe prophesy) to kill his Father and marry his Mother, but then to discover the truth and suffer the consequences. Greek tragedy at its most extreme.Its such a well-known play that anybody putting it on has to try something different. Delphic Theatre set it at the heart of a Dionysian revel, put on as a warning to the people to acknowledge their baser instincts, but then to control them.The revel was conducted by a single representative of the people, earnestly entreating Dionysus on our behalf to be kind to us, and leading us through he action in a drunken stagger, splashing wine as she went.Delphic Theatre promised us a massive production a Dionysian revel of epic proportions, but didnt quite hit the mark. Considering the programmes full-page listing of sponsors, the staging, although artistically symbolic, was modest.And although the weather wasnt kind, an outdoor production really needs something extra to take your mind off the surrounding office blocks and traffic. There was no doubting the enthusiasm of any of the cast, as they pressed on through the wind, dressed as they were for a Greek summer, but I didnt ever really forget where I was. The exception though, was Scott Virgo as Creon, whose presence and command suggest that he may make it to Mount Olympus some day.
