Free Performances of THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS Start Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, from September 4-9, THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, one of the most powerful, soul-stirring shows in theater history, makes a triumphant return to New York.

All performances are FREE and take place at 8pm at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Free tickets will be accessible via the line in Central Park, TodayTix lottery, borough distribution, and Public Theater lobby lottery. Learn more about how to access free tickets.

"Superlatives are increasingly difficult to back up, since most of the world speaks and tweets in exclamation points by now, but I think it's safe to say that the director Lee Breuer's THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS is a masterpiece. I first saw it at BAM in 1983, when it premièred, and I left the theatre with my shirtfront drenched with tears and the perspiration of relief: here was a portrait of black life-of black music, joy, and pain-that I could understand. Brilliantly recasting Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus at Colonus as a Pentecostal sermon, Breuer and his incredible composer, Bob Telson, got at the heart of difference and history and how the two helped create America." - Hilton Als, The New Yorker

Co-presented by The Public Theater and Onassis Foundation USA
THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS
Book, Original Lyrics & Direction by Lee Breuer
Original Music, Adapted Lyrics & Music Direction by Bob Telson
Produced by Sharon Levy/Dovetail Productions, Inc.
Associate Producer, Mabou Mines

Set in the context of a black Pentecostal service, THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS is an exuberant re-telling of Sophocles' classic Oedipus at Colonus. With the ground-shaking thunder of a gospel revival meeting, this Obie-winning adaptation celebrates the 2400-year-old myth of Oedipus' redemption with a rousing gospel and blues score. Conceived, adapted, and directed by MacArthur Genius Grant winner Lee Breuer, with music composed, arranged, and directed by Academy Award nominee Bob Telson, THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS is a one-of-a-kind show featuring more than 40 powerhouse voices including gospel legends The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Legendary Soul Stirrers.

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