They were once seen as the epitome of a perfect partnership. After years together and with adult children, how could an unexpected revelation about their family lineage lead to such upheaval? Is it truly necessary for a man to part ways with his devoted, kind, beautiful, and humorous spouse merely because she is, technically, his mother?
Lesley Manville, the star of this autumn’s modern adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus, has experienced various renditions of this classic, yet nothing like the one currently showing at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54 on Broadway (running until February 8). Audience reactions have been profound; the term devastating emerged frequently in discussions of its previous London run. Set within a campaign office, the story unfolds as politician Oedipus and his wife Jocasta await the results of a crucial election. However, their evening takes an unexpected turn, diverging into territory that only those familiar with Greek tragedy would anticipate. Manville explains, “What starts as a seemingly ordinary evening gradually unpacks unsettling events.” A countdown clock signifies not just the election deadlines, but something deeper unfolding.
As Jocasta, Manville emphasizes the necessity of creating a compelling on-stage couple with Mark Strong, who portrays Oedipus. “They’re so charming together that audiences find themselves rooting for them to remain united,” she reflects. “There’s a palpable chemistry; they laugh together, share intimacy, and she stands by him as a true equal.” In a daring choice that goes beyond the original text, they depict an intimate moment that poses the question—will the voyeuristic eyes of the audience discern genuine closeness or merely indecency?
For our chat, Manville suggests meeting for coffee in a refined setting: the restaurant at Claridge’s in Mayfair, resplendent with its sumptuous seating and vintage decor. She arrives with watery eyes, apologizing—though it’s merely allergies, not sorrow. Sporting a vintage leather Armani jacket and a Loewe handbag from the upcoming spring collection, she embodies elegance and authority.
Her portrayal of Princess Margaret in The Crown and her Academy Award nomination for 2018’s Phantom Thread ignited commentary about Manville’s ‘late-blooming’ career. However, she notes, “My 20s were filled with vibrant theater work, including collaborations with Mike Leigh and performances at the National Theatre.” Since her teenage years spent at a London drama school, she’s been relentless in her craft. Manville recalls that the play features what she considers “one of the most incredible speeches” she’s ever delivered—a harrowing revelation from Jocasta about her traumatic past, intricately connecting to the backstory of her husband.
FAIRLY MATCHED
Manville recognized that for the play’s success, she and Strong needed to develop a “fabulous couple.” Strong is dressed in a Dunhill suit, while Manville dons an Emilia Wickstead coat.
This production marks Manville’s inaugural collaboration with director and playwright Robert Icke. Renowned in England for his fresh interpretations of classic works, Icke gained international fame through his unsettling adaptation of Orwell’s 1984 on Broadway. While the British media often herald him as a prodigy, Manville emphasizes, “He possesses an emotional depth that belies his young age. He understands the intricate layers of relationships.” Icke’s Oedipus skillfully discards the Greek chorus and outdated references, aiming instead to resonate with contemporary audiences. Icke reveals that after the 2016 American election, he envisioned the adaptation in the context of high-stakes political drama, sparked by pondering Hillary Clinton’s predicament on the night of her defeat.
He admits that his approach to casting involves identifying individuals who embody the characters authentically rather than merely resembling their acting styles. Icke felt an innate connection to Manville’s portrayal of Jocasta, impressed by her talent and maternal aura, especially as a mother herself. He sought an actor for Oedipus who could convincingly convey stability and trustworthiness—qualities essential for a political figure. Strong, typically cast as antagonists and spies, embodies warmth and integrity. Icke reflects that he approached Strong for parenting advice upon learning of his own impending fatherhood, intrigued by his insights.
Meeting Strong at Wyndham’s Theatre—a quintessential London venue—reveals his deep sense of belonging there. As he reminisces about his performances and the theatre’s history, his height, charisma, and commanding voice paint him as a natural leader. His background, from his Italian father and Austrian mother to his early law studies in Munich, shapes his unique perspective.
In regards to their collaboration, Strong expresses a desire to appear reliable and professional, complete with a warm demeanor, as they navigated their performances. He appreciates an organized approach to the chaos of acting, emphasizing a commitment to professionalism behind the scenes. I ask them how they spend their time away from the stage, to which both share a similar sentiment regarding their busy schedules. Strong enjoys walks with his dog and soccer matches, while Manville hopes for quiet to delve into reading, although rehearsals consume her evenings. She’s passionate about interior design but finds herself longing for time to engage in her artistic spaces. Both emphasize the discipline needed to harness creativity in their work, which will also carry over into their New York run, where both hope to keep focused amidst the excitement of Broadway.
Adapting classic works invites bold choices—however, the notion of incest presents delicate challenges. Manville notes that they opted out of an intimacy coordinator, having both navigated similar scenes before. They delayed rehearsals for the climactic ending to build tension, and when finally presented, the moment resonated emotionally, leaving stage management in tears—a testament to the profound effect the performance can have. Upon witnessing their rehearsals, Manville reflects on wishing to be an audience member herself, captivated by the impactful silence that marks the conclusion—no dialogue, just raw emotion.
In this story: hair, Leigh Keates; makeup, Kirstin Piggott; manicurist, Ella Vivii; tailor, Chloe Cammidge.
Produced by Nicole Holcroft-Emmess.
