Goblin:Oedipus Takes Over Bard on the Beach’s Douglas Campbell Theatre

IN BRIEF: Bard on the Beach continues its 2026 Season in the Douglas Campbell Theatre with the return of the Goblins. They now turn their attention to Greek theatre and present Goblins:Oedipus. Sponsored by Polygon Homes, Goblin:Oedipus runs from July 5 to September 19, 2026. Tickets and information available at www.bardonthebeach.org.

June 9, 2026, Vancouver, BC / Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 37th Season in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park with Goblin:Oedipus in the Douglas Campbell Theatre from July 5 to September 19.

Audiences may recall the last time the Goblins took over a tent at Bard with their interpretation of Goblin:Macbeth. This summer, WUG, KRAGVA, and MOOG return to the tents and turn their attention to Greek theatre with their hysterical take on Oedipus the King based on John Murrell’s translation, with permission from Meg Murrell-Peloquin. Created by Spontaneous Theatre, Goblin:Oedipus is a theatre event like no other.

The story of Oedipus is a complicated tale. After freeing Thebes from the Sphinx, Oedipus rises to power as king, only to face a devastating plague that threatens his kingdom years later. When an oracle tells him the plague will only end when the murderer of the former king, Laius, is found and punished, Oedipus launches an investigation into the murder, but the quest gradually reveals a shocking truth. As prophecies, eyewitness accounts, and long-buried secrets come to light, Oedipus discovers that he has unknowingly fulfilled a terrible fate foretold before his birth. Sophocles’ timeless tragedy explores destiny, truth, power, and the limits of human control as one man’s quest for answers leads to his own devastating downfall.

If you aren’t familiar with the story, the Goblins will be sure to entertain you with their robust and hilarious interpretation of this Greek story. Members of Goblin:Oedipus production team include Ralamy Kneeshaw (Costume Designer) and John Webber (Associate Lighting Designer), with Rebecca Mulvihill (Stage Manager) and Jenny Kim (Assistant Stage Manager).

SPECIAL EVENTS for Goblin:Oedipus include:

  • Those seeking a deeper dive into Goblin:Oedipus can attend a Bard Explored talk with SFU’s Professor Paul Budra on August 8 on the BMO Mainstage.
  • Discover more about Bard’s production from the cast during Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, where performers will take part in free post-show discussions.
  • Before every performance, audiences are invited to Goblin:Oedipus in a Nutshell, a free pre-show talk providing a short, informal introduction to the play’s story and characters.

Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $30 CAD and are available now. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance.
The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. Visit the Bard website to book tickets or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free)
1-877-739-0559.

This production is for audiences that are 18 years of age and older. It contains adult themes and strong language that some people may find offensive.

Bard on the Beach gratefully acknowledges the corporate sponsors and donors who support and sustain the Festival and its programs. Sponsors include BMO (BMO Mainstage), Nicola Wealth (Season Sponsor) and Production Sponsors Lawson Lundell, Odlum Brown, Polygon Homes, and The Spotlight Circle. Season Media Sponsors include the Vancouver Sun and Global BC, as well as many other valued sponsors and partners. Bard also thanks the City of Vancouver Cultural Services Department, the Vancouver Park Board, the Province of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, and the Canada Council for the Arts for their continuing support.

 

About Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Established in 1990, Bard’s mission is to create transformational experiences through exceptional theatre, training and education opportunities that inspire, resonate, and promote the exchange of ideas. As well as its annual summer Festival, Bard offers year-round education and training programs for youth, adults, and theatre professionals in its administrative home at the BMO Theatre Centre in Olympic Village as well as in schools and community facilities throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

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A selection of photographs for media use is available HERE.

Please contact Cynnamon Schreinert for password access or interviews.
Tel: 604-802-2733; email: [email protected]