Elektra at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Greek tragedies are having something of a moment in London, what with Oedipus enjoying consecutive West End runs, as well as Antigone [on strike], which is currently playing at Park Theatre. Spotlight on Sophocles. Spotlight, too, on the Hollywood stars who are treading the boards for the first time this side of the pond.

Brie Larson, known for her Oscar-winning performance in the 2015 movie Room, as well as the much-loved television adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry, is our eponymous Princess. Sporting a buzz cut, it is not the image of the star we are familiar with. This is indicative of the punk-tinged edge of this adaptation.

Translated by the poet Anne Carson, the story centres on the grieving daughter of Agamemnon, who has been murdered by Elektra’s own mother. She desperately wishes to enact her revenge, only she’s not quite prepared to do so herself. She in fact awaits the return of her brother Orestes who she hopes will do the deed. What follows is a rather unflinching depiction of grief as opposed to a revenge thriller as such. Certain artistic choices, though,  seem to serve as speed bumps rather than helping to drive things forward.

Complete with Greek chorus and a sparse set, many boxes seem to have been ticked. However, such things as a blimp hovering above the stage feel a case of style over substance. With our lead using a microphone, distorted sounds might add to our feelings of discomfort, while again seeming an attempt to shock rather than take us through the story. In fact, the sound makes it hard to hear on occasion. Perhaps, that’s the point – to render us as disorientated as Elektra. While the intentions might be there, this overcrowded production at times feels too clever for its own good.

The cast excavate what they can from the material. Stockard Channing as mother Clytemnestra and Greg Hicks as Aegisthus are of note, as is Patrick Vaill who portrays Orestes. Elektra is occasionally electric, but ultimately lacks the impact it seeks to deliver. A bold and brave choice by Larson, nonetheless.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Helen Murray

Elektra is at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 24^th January until 12^th April 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.