The cleansing power of ‘Ajax’

“Ajax” sometimes feels like the longest 90 minutes of your life. The American Repertory Theater Company’s current production of Sophocles’ tragedy is irritating, uncomfortable, borderline histrionic and yet utterly fascinating to watch. It’s a war story: It’s not supposed to be pretty.

The tale, which dates back to fifth century B.C., is now set in present day and even includes a modernized Greek chorus who appear above the stage in a series of talking head videos. Like any contemporary man-on-the-street clips you’d see on television, their opinions of and experiences with war run the gamut from poignant to pointless, nicely adding to the chaos and confusion of wartime.

At its core, “Ajax” is a story of wounded pride, fury and revenge which Brent Harris delivers with amazing authenticity. The fury in his eyes as the bloodied soldier does battle with demons both real and fancied is disturbing enough to make you want to move to the back of the theater. And when he finally falls on his own sword, there’s an almost palpable sense of relief in the audience.

Though the intimidation dies with Ajax, the intensity never lets up. Nathan Darrow and Ron Cephas deliver emotional wallops as Teucer and Odysseus, respectively. Linda Powell is a perfect blend of distress and stoicism as Ajax’s wife Tecmessa.

David Zinn’s barren set is a superb backdrop for the story, but when it transforms into Ajax’s revoltingly vile bedroom, its impact borders brilliance.

Though the relevance of “Ajax” to the current political climate is interesting, it’s the vulgar, boisterous, in-your-face divisiveness of war that gives this haunting production its substance.

‘Ajax’
Through Sunday
Loeb Drama Center
64 Brattle St., Cambridge
$25-$65, 617-495-2668
www.americanrepertorytheater.org