Stravinsky - Oedipus Rex - Sadler’s Wells, 1960

Saturday, November 14, 2015 - 3:00pm to Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 4:00pm
Outreach Room, Ioannou Centre, 66 St Giles', Oxford

An exhibtion co-curated by Claire Kenward (APGRD) and Jane Pritchard (V&A), hung by Claire Kenward.

Exhibition Opening: 14 November

Exhibition opens at 3pm - Talks 5pm - Drinks 6.45pm
The event is free but please RSVP    

To our original line-up of speakers, we are pleased to announce the addition of two prominent friends and colleagues of Abd’Elkader Farrah: Terry Hands  (Artistic Director, RSC 1978-1991) and Roger Howells (RSC Sage Manager, 1962-1994).

The first English, full-stage, masked production of Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex caused a sensation when it opened at Sadler’s Wells in January 1960. Directed by Michel Saint-Denis and conducted by Colin Davis, the designs by the Algerian theatre designer, Abd’Elkader Farrah captured the high modernist, ritualised aesthetic of Stravinsky’s oratorio.

Please join us for an Exhibition of Farrah’s stunning designs and a Study Afternoon devoted to this ground breaking production. Followed by a drinks reception.

Speakers: 

  • Jonathan Cross (Oxford) on Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex and Colin Davis’ recording in particular
  • Stephen Harrison (Oxford) on Jean Daniélou’s Latin version of Cocteau’s libretto
  • Jane Pritchard (Curator of Dance, Theatre and Performance Collections, V&A) on Farrah’s designs
  • Terry Hands (RSC Artistic Director 1978-1991, Artistic Director Clwyd Theatr Cymru 1997-2015) and Roger Howells (RSC Stage Manager 1962-1994) on Abd’Elkader Farrah 

The exhibition will remain up until 3 December; free entry, open to the public - Mondays to Thursdays, 2pm to 5pm. 
Please email   to arrange your visit.