Oedipus Reloaded: A funny look at ancient tragedies in Vienna
Oedipus Reloaded: A funny look at ancient tragedies in Vienna
In the small but fine Bronski & Grünberg Theater in Vienna-Alsergrund last Wednesday, the premiere of the play "MfG, Oedipus or the children of the father of Antigone" inspired the audience. The staging takes the audience into the Thebes of the 1990s and shows that the stories of the Greek tragedies are still important today. Directed by Moritz Franz Beichl, who was awarded a Nestroy Prize in 2019 and brings a breath of fresh air to the time-honored myths with its modern adaptation.
Beichl has processed the extensive material in such a way that the essence of history is conveyed in just three hours (including a break). This density creates space for new interpretations without losing the severity of the tragedy. The spectators not only come to think, but also to smile, which the director succeeded because he tackles the dark moments with a pinch of comedy.
a creative stage design
The stage design of Monika Rovan visually puts the viewers back into the 90s. The audience receives the protagonists in front of a fantastic city panorama that shows the New Year's Eve of the millennium. While the Y2K bug is concerned about King Laios, the audience also experiences how young Oedipus slips into his fateful role. This is done in a witty representation of mythology, which is linked to a wink.
The text alternates between tragic and strange elements, which helps the strong ensemble from Sören Kneidl, Josephine Bloéb, Christian Erdt, Philip Kelz, Skye Macdonald and Bettina Schwarz to present the complex action in an entertaining way. For example, the idea of an exchange year in Tennessee causes laughs, while the family drama about incest history is not lost sight of. It is remarkable how the staging manages to address both the pain and the absurdities of human nature.
The evening ends with an exuberant feeling. With this performance, the Bronski & Grünberg has set a high scale for the coming season. If you are looking for an entertaining way to deal with classic tragedy, you should secure the school performances, which will certainly also address younger viewers. A opposite of the classic theater tradition, which is often perceived as difficult and daunting.
The staging shows that the old stories from Greek antiquity have not lost relevance. Rather, “MfG, Oedipus” addresses topics that are also important in today's world and invites you to reflect on family relationships and personal decisions. According to a reporting on www.tt.com Fresh perspective on a classic fabric.
The successful combination of humor and serious topics inspired the audience and promises a promising start to the theater season. The Bronski & Grünberg shows that the art of the theater remains relevant today.