The Gospel at Colonus, performed at the Little Island amphitheater, revives the 1983 musical oratorio that transforms Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus into a Black Pentecostal church service. Directed by Shayok Misha Chowdhury, this production merges Greek tragedy with gospel and jazz, presenting it as a communal gathering in a natural setting. It draws attention with its iconic song, How Shall I See You Through My Tears?, which symbolizes grief and familial connections. This revival highlights the contemporary relevance of the narrative, particularly regarding themes of asylum and environmental concerns.
The production unfolds like a midsummer night's communal gathering, set against the backdrop of river breezes, wildflowers, and the setting sun, making it an immersive experience.
The Gospel at Colonus is a genre-defying piece that combines Greek tragedy, gospel, and jazz, showcasing both religious testimony and a reimagined narrative from the classic Oedipus tale.
The show's most iconic song, How Shall I See You Through My Tears?, serves as a poignant moment of reunion and grief for Oedipus's daughter, emphasizing themes of survival.
This production of The Gospel at Colonus marks the first New York revival that reimagines the work, reflecting the rising interest in environmental and site-specific theater.
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