RESURRECTING OEDIPUS\Moorpark play shrouds viewers in dark drama.

Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News

If ever there was a tragic hero, it has to be the ill-fated Oedipus Rex, king of the ancient city of Thebes.

The disasters that befell him are the centerpiece of a classic Greek play by Sophocles. It is wonderfully performed by the Moorpark College Theater Arts Department and magnificently directed by Katherine Lewis.

For those who may have wondered about the psychiatric term "Oedipus complex," come see the play and discover its origin. Blame it on the Greek gods - for it was Apollo, whose prophecy curse doomed Oedipus. He was predestined to innocently kill his father and marry his mother. His proud protests of innocence before his tragic fall may remind us of other modern-day trials and tribulations.

Atmosphere ruled the evening. Incense burned, haunting drums underscored the events on stage and effective lighting supported this dark drama, presented in Moorpark College's brand new theater.

Actors came up and down the side aisles, drawing the audience into the tragedy. The use of the traditional Greek chorus - in this case 13 Theban citizens led by a priest played with authority by Evan Mackay - adds to the power of the play.

The chorus reflects the play's mood as it moves to climax. They comment, question, applaud, bemoan and finally are aghast at the awful events that transpire.

Oedipus was skillfully and dramatically rendered by Rich Scheirmann. He captures the essence of Oedipus, from the commanding, proud king who vows to avenge the former king's death through his transformation to the heart-rending, lowly mortal brought down by a horrifying fate, so distraught he destroys his own eyesight.

A powerful presence was the blind prophet Teiresias, eloquently played by Al Miller. When forced to reveal what he knows of the past, Teiresias tells Oedipus that he has "eyes that now see but soon will be blind" and calls him a "spoiler of his father's bed."

Queen Jocasta, the mother and wife of Oedipus, touchingly played by Barbara Arnello, provides the gentle contrast and voice of reason to Oedipus' quick judgment and pride. That contrast makes her fall, as she discovers the truth, all the more poignant.

Other strong performances included Jeremy Crockett's Creon, the Messenger played by Dana Cordes, and the Shepherd portrayed by Sean McBride.

The Theban Citizen chorus that added so much to the performance included Darren Bean, Amy Buchholz, Sean Collier, Tina-Louise Eckert, Cristal Ervin, Lisa Ann Gillum, John Green, Chapen Hayslett, Daniel Keit, Shelby Locke, Heather Schweit, Kotaro Takasu and Melissa Underwood.

The Dark Figures, which illustrated part of Oedipus' tragic history, were danced gracefully by Ayse Cerami, Ellie Cobos, Roseanna Heagerty and James Jensen.

Special applause to drummers Rob Brown and Matt Hufsmidt, and musicians Paul Bonn, Chris Hoag and Christopher Lewis. Their stimulating music was integral to the drama of this presentation.

Other players included Boy, played by Heather Scott; Nisan Cerami and Melissa Wotkyns, who played royal servants; Antigone, portrayed by Sheryl Scott; and Ismene, played by Cynthia Scott.

The costume design, by Katherine Lewis and Arnello, was inspiring, especially Oedipus' beautifully draped white garment and the lovely, colorful gown of Jocasta.

The new theater is well-designed and the acoustics were excellent. Comfortable and plentiful seats offered superb views of the large stage.

THE FACTS

WHAT: "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today and Saturday.

WHERE: Moorpark College Theatre, Moorpark.

COST: $10, $8 students, $6 seniors and children.

INFORMATION: [phone].

CAPTION(S):

PHOTO

Photo Barbara Arnello's Queen Jocasta and Rich Scheirmann as Oedipus Rex deliver haunting performances.