The Gospel at Colonus

Adapted from Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus at Colonus, this filmed version of writer Lee Breuer and composer Bob Telson's The Gospel at Colonus is soul-stirring. Morgan Freeman takes center stage as the Messenger (here a Pentecostal minister), who tells the woeful tale of Oedipus (“damned in his birth; in his marriage, damned; damned by the blood he shed with his own hands”), who—after unknowingly committing the sins of incest and patricide—blinded himself and went into exile to Colonus with his daughters Antigone and Ismene. Freeman is incredibly commanding: full of fire and brimstone from the start, he grows into the role as the performance progresses, eventually adopting the rhythmic, half-sung chanting common to the most powerful and inspiring preachers. The Five Blind Boys of Alabama collectively portray Oedipus, and they shine, especially the gruff-voiced Clarence Fountain, while other noteworthy portrayals include Carl Lumbly as the sympathetic Theseus, king of Athens, and Robert Earl Jones, father of James Earl, as Creon, king of Thebes. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, Telson's music is performed by a full band, with rhythm section, horns, and a gospel chorus in colorful, African-inspired robes, and the production is nicely translated from stage to screen by director Kirk Browning (with close-ups, cross-fades, editing, and other techniques unavailable in live theater). Filmed before an appreciative, fully engaged Philadelphia audience who add spontaneous outbursts of applause, rhythmic clapping, and “hallelujahs,” 1985's The Gospel at Colonus—part of the PBS Great Performances series—is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)