Thank you Canberra for supporting your annual outdoor Greek theatre Easter festival at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Audience numbers up 21%.
Critics, scholars, the public and schools praised the production.
“A prime example of excellent theatre”
“The directing and performing really feels like an intelligent community theatre group working for our community”
Frank McKone, Canberra Critics Circle
“Michael J Smith’s adapted and dramatized RC Jebb translation paradoxically possesses the power of classical grandeur within a dramatic immediacy that is the very essence of simple, direct and totally engaging storytelling”
“The production resonates with an earnest conviction to tell the story truthfully, without artifice, but with complete belief in the power of the story”
“Sophocles constructs a mystifying tale of riddles, paradoxes and tragic consequences. Smith’s direction is a feat of masterful precision.”
“Every expression of the Chorus is skilfully orchestrated from the wailing pleas to the judgemental pronouncements, accompanied by carefully choreographed movements and choral work”
“Every moment of this engrossing production serves the moment”
“As a young Oedipus, Andrew Mackenzie traversed the range of emotions from arrogance to anger to frustration and despair. His final bloodied monologue roared with emotional and physical pain. It is in this moment that catharsis looked out from his bloodied, sightless eyes.”
“Kate Blackhurst as Jocasta howled the grief that could only be stilled by death, a death horrifically described by Blackhurst doubling as the Palace Messenger”
“There is a convincing performance from Owen Maycock as the old prophet Teiresias”
“Liam O’Connor doubles very effectively as the Corinth Messenger, George Belibassakis gives an imposing performance as the High Priest of Zeus and there is excellent ensemble work from the Chorus”
“Greek Theatre Now’s crystal clear and expertly researched production demonstrates that we are all morally obligated to bear the consequences of our actions”
“An excellent production of Oedipus the King for our time. This production cries out for a revival!”
Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle
“Packs a powerful punch”
“Director Michael Smith and his company Greek Theatre Now have presented a powerful, almost operatic production of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King”
“This production is one of the easiest to listen to that I have witnessed in a long time. Every piece of dialogue packs a punch.”
“Inspired, clever, powerful”
Helen Musa, Canberra CityNews
“Riveting”
“Very fluid and contemporary yet with a Greek flavour”
“The essential was done perfectly, namely the focus on the words. We ‘heard’ the play and the movement was a perfect complement”
Sergio Sergi, who has taught classical languages at universities in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Hong Kong
“The great thing about this production was how easy it made it to follow this complex text”
“My granddaughter, her first proper Greek play, found it stunning. My wife, who has very strong views about theatrical performance, was very impressed.”
“You have built something amazing here”
Dr Peter Londey, Ancient Greece historian. Historian at the Australian War Memorial for 17 years
“Very powerful”
Greek Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Mr Stavros Venizelos
“Brilliant” – Neville
“Superb staging and acting” – Ros
“A wonderful production. My mum was in tears. Andrew’s performance was captivating. What an amazing talent you have unearthed in him.” – Kristy
“A powerful production of a great play” – Ralph
“Brilliant production and performances. Loved every minute.” – Louise
“I LOVED it. Everyone was SO GOOD. It was so emotional, so powerful. People near me were crying. I could hear every word perfectly. The Chorus were fantastic.” – Anne
“I’m drained. It was wonderful.” – Jack
“My heartfelt congratulations. Oedipus was a wonderful production … polished, professional and engrossing. A real tribute to all involved. Thank you for bringing this company and production to Canberra.” – Fran
“I wish to add my voice to the praise that the production has rightly received. It was really quite a precious experience to see this 2,500 year old play brought to life in such a compelling and authentic manner.
“From a Hawker College perspective we were of course particularly proud of Liam. Even though he is in my class, I was taken aback by his voice and presence! More generally, the movement and recitation of the chorus provided a wonderful complement to the action of the drama. And, as others have commented, Andrew Mackenzie’s range and energy was really something.
“Thank you Michael for all your efforts and expertise in bringing the production into being – it was a great experience for my students which I’m sure will stay with them for a long time.”
Tom Greenwell, English, History & Politics Teacher, Hawker College, Canberra
The show now travels to Perth for performances at the Saw Avenue Amphitheatre, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Government of Western Australia, 24-28 September 2026.
Canberra see you next year – Michael
Photos: Peter Hislop, Fuyao Liu
Graphic Design: Emilio Park
