The BYU Experimental Theatre Club presents "Oedipus Tyrannus" by Sophocles Tuesday through Saturday.

The play, which uses a modern translation of "Oedipus," written by University of California at San Diego professor Marianne McDonald, is modernized with characters embodying the ideologies of a high society magazine lifestyle.

"We've traded in togas for trench coats and choral song for an indie music soundtrack," said director Maelyn Gandola, from San Diego, a senior theater arts major with an emphasis in directing. The production is a 500-level directing project that serves as Gandola's undergraduate capstone.

She began tackling the process of aesthetically interpreting Sophocles' masterpiece this past spring. A summer visit to New York City capitalized on Gandola's initial creative vision. From the museums to the city streets, Gandola said the experience directly pertained to her inspiration.

"To see the artwork, the people in high fashion, and being in a culture all about watching each other was inspiring," she explained. "I developed this image of people walking around in trench coats: very 'Wall Street'-like."

Further adding to the modernized twist, Gandola selected indie rock music for the play's soundtrack as a contradictory element that further embellishes the classical tragedy.

"The music is used against the action as an irony," Gandola said. "At moments of high drama we use happy songs and vice versa."

Gandola said the play explores themes of how society is oft dictated by popular culture.

"We adhere to these cultural norms and values almost subconsciously," she said. "Thus, we are asking the audience to re-evaluate themselves."

Stephanie Cleghorn, who plays Jocasta, said "Oedipus Tyrannus" provides an enriching love story to be learned.

"I see a woman who really loves this man and who is ultimately destroyed by it," said Cleghorn, a 23-year-old pre-acting major from Sanginaw, Texas. "If people can get beyond the whole mother-and-son love thing, they will see a greater love story and learn a lot about themselves."

The part of Oedipus is played by Stephen Geis, an 18-year-old theater arts studies major from Draper, who said the greatest thematic issue of the tragedy is about taking advantage of life's offerings.

"Every once in a while, things in life are out of our control," he said. "Depending on how we decide to live our lives, that can be crippling or it can be liberating."

Seating for "Oedipus Tyrannus" begins tonight at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday in the Little Theater (B190) JFSB. Admission is free. For more information about the BYU Experimental Theater Club, visit www.byu-etc.com.

Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Dec 2007