Thank you Perth for embracing outdoor ancient Greek theatre. 400 people and 7 schools attended Sophocles’ Oedipus the King at Kings Park Amphitheatre 24-28 September 2026. People stood and cheered. People cried. Scholars, the public and schools praised the performance.
Dr Neil O’Sullivan, Ancient Greek and Latin expert, PhD Cambridge, teacher of the Oedipus play in English and in Ancient Greek for 30 years said: “Thank you for the performance. I found it to be both true to the text and to the conditions of the original production (inasmuch as we can know these). I also found it moving, cathartic as Aristotle would say. It’s no wonder he speaks more highly of this tragedy than any other. Seeing it performed yesterday was like going to a well-loved opera. You know what’s going to happen but the re-presentation makes the dramatic brilliance of the structure live again. Well done!”
Ayako, an audience member, said: “I had no idea Greek theatre was so exciting. That was amazing.”
Teacher Kholoud Swayd of Al-Ameen College, an independent Islamic co-educational school, said: “That was amazing. After the performance the students got up on to the stage and started acting out the scenes.”
The Greek Consul in Perth Ms Eleni Georgopoulou said: “I want to congratulate you on a most powerful performance.”
Oedipus, King of Thebes – Michael J Smith
Creon, Prince, Oedipus’s brother-in-law – Owen Maycock
Priest of Zeus, High Priest of Thebes – George Belibassakis
Teiresias, an old blind prophet – Owen Maycock
Jocasta, Queen, wife of Oedipus, sister of Creon – George Belibassakis
Chorus, citizens of Thebes – Nicole George (Leader), Ash Brady (Leader)
Emily-Rose Calder, Imelda Alembick, Harvey Alembick
Corinth Messenger, a messenger from Corinth – Owen Maycock
Theban Shepherd, a shepherd for the House of Oedipus – George Belibassakis
Palace Messenger, a servant in the House of Oedipus – George Belibassakis
Guard, guard to King Oedipus – Ethan Bengson, Conan Walker
Boy, attendant to Teiresias – Harvey Alembick
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Costumes – Madelyn Jane, Priya Pandya
Masks & Props – Ben Smith Whatley, Brenton Warren
Publicity – Dixie Battersby
Prompt – Julie Barnes
Classics Adviser – ANU Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Minchin
Choreography – Michael J Smith
Script – Michael J Smith (based on RC Jebb translation)
Director – Michael J Smith
Producer – Michael J Smith / Greek Theatre Now
Company Artistic Director – Michael J Smith
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Thank You
Government of Western Australia, Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority, Kings Park
Shane Walsh, Daniel Hammersley, Mariah Bell
The Greek Government Consul in Perth Ms Eleni Georgopoulou
Teresa, WA Scouts, Subiaco
Nicole George, Breakthrough Studios Byford
ABC Radio Perth interview with Michael J Smith
Greek Theatre Now has been nominated for a global award. London-based LUXlife Magazine has nominated GTN for a Creative and Visual Arts Award 2026. LUXlife Magazine recognises premium brands and experiences around the world. “It’s an honour to be recognised in this prestigious global group,” said Greek Theatre Now founder and artistic director Michael J Smith.
Thank you Perth for a magical experience. Next stop Greece. Michael is running the Marathon-Athens marathon 8 November 2026, visiting Delphi and the Gods, and speaking with local authorities about performing in Greece in 2027. Michael is casting 2027’s Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus – the death of Oedipus, Sophocles’ final play. Canberra, Sydney, Greece, Perth. Inquiries to michael@greektheatrenow.com.au
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