I loved this queer subversion/explosion of the Oedipus myth. There are plenty of recognizable characters, relationships, and tropes from the source material, but the story has also clearly been transformed into a whole other being. Tseng utilizes the myth to explore a host of intriguing and nuanced themes like stewardship/legacy within the gay male community, the processing of adoption and its connection to identity, and bereavement/letting go/moving on. At the same time, Tseng honors Oedipus with a healthy dose of tragedy, fate, and familial cycles. The ending sequence (last 20 pages) was spectacular, and left me breathless.

This play is an absolutely fantastic adaptation of Oedipus Rex. It is queer focused and highly theatrical, with moments that make you gasp and cringe (in the best way). Jason has a real command of this narrative, and does not look away from the intensity of the subject matter. It has stayed with me.

Jason Tseng has mastered the art of blending tropes from the Ancient Greek source material with aspects of their own cultures (Asian, American, Asian American, Queer). What results is a delightful retelling of a classic story. While there have been other adaptations of Oedipus, there haven't been any like this. It's blunt, never shying away from intensity and meaning. Each character is drawn specifically, using notes of their original counterparts, but plenty all their own, too. This play also has so many wonderfully theatrical elements that it demands to be produced immediately! I can't wait to see it!