New translation of Sophocles' 'Elektra' coming to Getty Villa in September

 

The Getty Villa's annual outdoor productions of the classics at the Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater are now in their fifth season. In September, the Getty will present a new production of Sophocles' "Elektra," directed by Carey Perloff, the artistic director of the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.

Tickets for the production, Sept. 9 to Oct. 2, go on sale today for $42, $38 for students and seniors. No casting has been announced for the new staging.

This version of "Elektra" features the debut of a translation by the Olivier Award-winning British playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, whose plays include "Our Country's Good" and "The Love of the Nightingale." 

The Getty said Wertenbaker’s translation was specially commissioned for this production and that it preserves the formal structure of the ancient language while at the same time creating a more contemporary feel.

Perloff previously directed a version of "Elektra" at New York's Classic Stage Company more than 20 years ago using a version by Ezra Pound.

"Elektra" will coincide with an exhibition at the Getty Villa, "The Art of Ancient Greek Theater," Aug. 26 to Jan. 3. The exhibition, featuring loaned objects and others, explores the ways in which Greek drama inspired classical visual artists.

-- David Ng

Photo: The Getty Villa's outdoor Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater. Credit: Stefano Paltera / For The Times.

Comments

[Arabic Translation Expert]

It's very good to have this new translation.