| 01 September 2010
Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus at Colonus is given a soulful retelling as Gospel at Colonus, a Pentecostal twist on a 2,400 year old story. Starring The Blind Boys of Alabama (collectively playing Oedipus) and The Legendary Soul Stirrers, the group that was led by Sam Cooke, the stage is packed with fantastic singers and backed by a live band. Not familiar with Sophocles’ original text? Well don’t let that put you off: the music will put a smile on your face whether you follow the story or not.
For a Greek tragedy, the story translates surprisingly well to a musical Christian tale, partly because it doesn’t contain family members killing each other, or God(s) smiting. Oedipus, having stabbed his own eyes out after realising what he has done to his father and with his mother, wanders into Colonus an impoverished and broken old man seeking peace before he dies. The message is one of acceptance and tolerance, and in Gospel it is the church that offers him this welcome.
The vocal performances are all superb, and the band and singers are so confident and skilled that when they really get into a groove near the end, lead singers can squeeze as many extra bars out of them as they want, and really showcase their voices. Jimmy Carter of The Blind Boys of Alabama must be well into his eighties, but despite his frail figure his voice is incredibly powerful. The story occasionally confuses, as Oedipus is played by a younger Messenger at one point of a Sermon, making a total of five Oedipuses (Oedipi). The music is always enjoyable though, and provides a fresh take on an old tale.
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