The Gospel At Colonus
There are not many plays where the combination of gospel and theater brilliantly come together to make a masterful and spiritual night of joy that will have you jumping out of your seat —but Court Theatre's The Gospel at Colonus, an African-American musical adaptation of Sophocles's tragedy, Oedipus at Colonus, with its soulful singing featuring an all-black cast, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Following the story of Oedipus, the man who pronounced, "I am Oedipus, the accursed," who leaves Thebes and travels to the town of Colonus, The Gospel of Colonus tells Oedipus's continuous story that features themes of forgiveness, death, war, and above all, love. After years of exile, Oedipus arrived in Colonus, blind, with his daughter/sister Antigone. He had physically blinded himself with the long gold pins from his dead wife's brooches, haunted by the memories of his past and the tragedies that had befallen him. As he stumbled through the streets, adversaries pursued him; Oedipus, determined to find a new home where he could rest and find peace in his final days, comes to Colonus, a sacred spot in Athens where the gods themselves were said to reside. However, Oedipus at first is forbidden to find sanctuary there (Stop Do Not Go On) until he tells them who he is and meets Theseus, the king of Athens, who listens attentively to Oedipus's story. Being moved, he promised to protect him from his enemies, and in return, Oedipus posthumously pledged to protect the city of Athens.
Created in 1983 by director Lee Breuer and composer Bob Telson, who incorporated a Pentecostal preacher and his church choir with Morgan Freeman and The Blind Boys of Alabama to portray Oedipus, The Gospel at Colonus collectively enacted the story of Oedipus's torment and redemption. Charles Newell, who contributed his desire to be a stage director to the above play, has wanted to bring this production to Court Theater, which would be specific to Chicago and use artists from Chicago. Newell was thrilled to work with professional actor and singer from Chicago, Mark J.P. Hood, known for roles on television shows The Resident, historical dark comedy Black Monday, Sirens, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire, to bring this coalition of musical celebrations to life that stimulates the soul of humanity. Featuring a cast of fifteen, five musicians and seventeen gospel songs that will thrill your soul, The Gospel at Colonus showcased the beauty and imagination of gospel music within theatrical productions and the power of the continued need for diversity in theater.
The Bible talks about a generational curse passed from generation to generation, and Oedipus committed three heinous sins —killing his father marrying his mother and fathering her children. Oedipus, angered by his son Polyneices, who exiled him from this country, levels a cure against him and proclaims he will die at the hands of his brother. Apollo told Oedipus that if he could find a resting place, the curse would be removed, and as the mythical story goes, he died at Colonus, begin swallowed into the earth, and became a guardian hero of the land. The Gospel of Colonus isn't a story about God, but the spiritual music performed in this play will make you feel like you're in a church service.
As a Baptist minister and a theater critic, it was the first time I had to force myself to stay in my seat during a review and not start dancing and singing at a play, but the Colonus choir had my spirit internally shouting. The incredible cast, featuring Kelvin Roston Jr. (Oedipus); Aeriel Williams (Antigone); Timothy Edward Kane (Creon); Ariana Burks (Ismene); Mark Spates Smith (Theseus); Kai A. Ealy (Polyneices); Shari Addison (Choragos, Soloist); Eric A. Lewis (Choragos); Juwon Tyrel Perry (The Friend, Chorus); Jessica Brooke Seals (Evangelist, Chorus); Jerica Exum (Chorus); Shantina Lynet' (Chorus); Isaac Ray (Chorus); Eva Ruwé (Chorus); and Cherise Thomas (Chorus) dynamic singing in flawless harmony and impeccable acting provides 85 minutes of hallelujah joy — a soulful Greek chorus audience will never forget.
Let's Play Theatrical Review Highly Recommends The Gospel
At Colonus.
Court Theatre
The Gospel At Colonus
Conceived and Adapted by Lee Breuer
Music Composed by Bob Telson
Directed by Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell
With Associate Director Taron Patton
Extended through - June 18, 2023
