Know Theatre Presents THE EYES OF OEDIPUS 4/28-5/15

Know Theatre of Cincinnati is pleased to announce a special off-night production of The Eyes of Oedipus, a new adaptation of Oedipus Rex. Know Theatre company member, Alison Vodnoy has created a new adaptation of the classic Greek tale and DarNell Benjamin will be playing Oedipus. Eric Vosmeier, Managing Artistic Director of Know Theatre, will direct the piece. The Eyes of Oedipus will open on Know Theatre's stage on off-nights April 28 and playthrough May 15, 2010.

The Eyes of Oedipus is a contemporary re-imagining of the ancient Oedipus story that lives in a world of jagged, spoken-word poetry, and smooth, classical text. With DarNell Benjamin playing Oedipus and Alison Vodnoy shape-shifting in and out of all the other characters, Oedipus begins to put together the pieces of his past, and comes apart in the present. From King to Beggar, his voice is de-constructed along with his sight. Using sound, lighting, masks, and movement, the piece brings the audience into the other side of this classic, experiencing the story through the eyes of Oedipus. Between the neon lights and the aural backdrop of a city street, the beggar that once was King could be seen on the corner of McMicken and Vine: blind, lost, and searching for the answers to his tragic past. But in this world, truth is elusive, and "If ignorance is bliss, then Truth's a goodnight kiss."

"It's really thrilling to take a story that everyone knows and try to surprise people with it by re-framing the context or view point they have seen before," says actor and writer Alison Vodnoy. "We've been slowly refining what we want that view point to be, and as I write more, it's very exciting to hear the ideas that float around in my head while I'm at my laptop materialize when Darnell speaks the text aloud. I believe that, despite Oedipus's very unusual and large circumstances, he exists in all of us, and it was important to me to show that.""I'm a huge fan of classical theatre, particularly the Greeks. The history and the way it lives and breaths in the language is quite beautiful to me. The way they incorporate their culture so heavily into their art truly sucks me into their world," says actor and producer DarNell Benjamin. "This production has taken me into a world I've not had to face -- producing. And baby, it's work...but the good kind of work that forces you to open your aperture and sensibilities."

All tickets are $12. You can purchase them by online at www.knowtheatre.com or by calling the Know Theatre box office at 513.300.KNOW (5669). The Know Theatre is located at 1120 Jackson Street in Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The Eyes of Oedipus written by Alison Vodnoy adapted from the classic Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex. Mainstage Performances will take place from April 28 to May 15. 7PM performances are scheduled for April 28, May 2, and 5. 8PM performances are scheduled for May 13, 14, and 15. A cash bar will be open before and after the show.

The cast includes DarNell Benjamin as Oedipus and Alison Vodnoy as all other characters. The production is directed by Eric Vosmeier, with sound design by Doug Borntrager.

Know Theatre creates alterNative Theatre that is uniquely relevant. Our mission is to engage a diverse audience making theatre more accessible for all. It is dedicated to presenting affordable and thought-provoking entertainment in a variety of locations throughout the Tri-State area and providing provocative artistic opportunities for multicultural and contemporary programming.

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