'Electra' The Old Vic *****

It's continually pleasant when theatres programme productions that transport us to the foundations of what created theatre, and the final performance of The Old Vic’s in the round configuration is Frank McGuinness' interpretation of Sophocles’, ‘Electra’,  which was another outstanding performance, and complimented with stellar characterisations. ‘Electra’ was written, supposedly around 410BC, and widely regarded as Sophocles’ formidable creations is set within the estate of Agamemnon, where his recent homicide has enforced immense rage from Pylades, Orestes and the servant who are examining the identity of Agamemnon's killer. Orestes, Agamemnon’s son has been commanded by his sister, Electra to obliterate the eradicator, additionally, her grief is enormous and is a frequent visitor outside the palace, where they reside, as a reminder of the fond memories that she had with her father. Electra’s youngest sister, Chrysothemis materialises from the palaces’ doors, with another funeral offering, is unsurprised that Electra is sat outside mourning, however, compared to Electra, she appears to be coping, and demands that she must accept that their father is dead, as well as, this is annoying the mother Clytemnestra, and informs her that she will be locked in solitary confinement if she does not pull herself together. With this, Electra has frequent confrontations due to the immense grief and childish nature, and when they learn of Orestes’ death, whilst on his quest for their father’s murderer, this increases Electra’s emotional instability. Thankfully, there is a possibility that Orestes may not be dead, which enables Electra to develop some form of happiness, and when Orestes returns from among the grave, the identity of Agamemnon’s  slaughterer is exposed, and the murderer is exterminated at the finale. McGuinness' version of Sophocles’ narrative is spectacular, as the original tragedy has been cleverly retained with gracious panache, and allows contemporary audiences to abundantly engage with such an ancient piece of theatre. One found the performances by the company of ‘Electra’ were portrayed with flawless rigour, and the intensity of the emotion was extraordinary. Kristin Scott Thomas is sublime as the grief-stricken, Electra; especially when we see her pouring a heart are outside the palace, in addition, her vocal work was outstanding within the such moments. Jack Lowden is brilliant as Electra’s brother, Orestes; specifically when we observe his anger at the point where he's about to finally massacre his father’s obliterator, as well as his movements were executed effortlessly. Liz White is wonderful as the youngest sibling, Chrysothemis; especially the moment when she acts as the mature sipping when Electra is outside the palace sobbing, and her vocal ability was increasingly powerful throughout. Ian Rickson's direction is charming here, as the Greek tragedy has been elegantly constructed, and the attention to detail within the sensitive elements was pleasantly interesting to witness during the course of the show. Mark Thompson's design is opulent as one was immediately transported to the Greek amphitheatre style environment; furthermore, the textures decided here were exceedingly beautiful and attractive to the eye, seemingly blissful. Overall, experience of ‘Electra’ was one that should not be missed as it’s an spotless piece of theatre, and you'll be an idiot to miss it.