Critically Acclaimed Oresteia To Make Trafalgar Studios Transfer This September
Posted on 31 July 2015
The Almeida Theatre’s critically acclaimed, sold out production of Oresteia, by Aeschylus, re-imagined for the modern stage by Almeida Associate Director Robert Icke (The Fever, Mr Burns, 1984) will transfer to the Trafalgar Studios in the West End from August. Press night September 7th.
Robert Icke’s Oresteia was acclaimed during its Almeida run as one of the theatre events of the year so far, creating a style of theatre-going that is the theatrical equivalent of binge-watching – audiences threw themselves into the epic and captivating style of the production. The contemporary relevance and prescience of the classic piece is brought sharply to life in Icke’s bold and immediate production. The cast at the Trafalgar Studios will include original cast members Lorna Brown, Jessica Brown Findlay, Annie Firbank, Joshua Higgott, Luke Thompson, Lia Williams, Angus Wright and Hara Yannas.
“We are thrilled Oresteia is having a further life at the Trafalgar Studios with SFP and ATG. That a production of this ambition and intensity can find a commercial life is testament to the sheer modernity of the work and Robert Icke's breath-taking vision. At the Almeida audiences were absolutely riveted throughout the run and following on from Chimerica, 1984 and King Charles III, I believe the West End is in for another galvanising burst of exciting new work from the Almeida team.”
Rupert Goold
“It’s been a long time since the West End has seen a Greek tragedy of this scale and magnitude. Echoing the acclaimed West End transfers of Ghosts, Chimerica, 1984 and King Charles III with Sonia Friedman, this production of the Oresteia is yet again another remarkable theatrical achievement from the Almeida. ATG and SFP are thrilled to be bringing this critically acclaimed production into the Trafalgar Studios which is undoubtedly one of the most exciting spaces in London. This great Oresteia London production, follows at Trafalgar our production of James McAvoy in The Ruling Class, Martin Freeman in Richard III and our co-production with the Royal Court of the sold out Constellations.”
Sir Howard Panter
Orestes’ parents are at war. A family drama spanning several decades, a huge, moving, bloody saga, Aeschylus’ greatest and final play asks whether justice can ever be done – and continues to resonate more than two millennia after it was written.
Oresteia opened at the Almeida in June 2015 to public and critical acclaim, as the inaugural production in the theatre’s Almeida Greeks season.
Oresteia is directed by Robert Icke, designed by Hildegard Bechtler, with light by Natasha Chivers, sound by Tom Gibbons and video by Tim Reid. Casting is by Julia Horan CDG.
