CHICAGO – In “Oedipus el Rey,” Luis Alfaro presents a modern, supercharged take on the ancient Sophoclean tragedy first performed in 429 BC.

The challenging play, presented in 90 uninterrupted, riveting minutes under the taut direction of Chay Yew at Victory Gardens Theater, takes place in a danger-filled Los Angeles barrio where a young Chicano ex-con has set his sights on becoming the top dog. Yew commands a polished cast that’s unafraid to take chances and expose its vulnerability.

Transporting “Oedipus Rex” to a contemporary time and place where it addresses universal issues from class and race to gang violence and chronic criminal behavior was a stroke of genius on Alfaro’s part.