The Backstory
Long ago, Laius, the king of the great city of Thebes, went on a journey and never returned. He was killed at a crossroads, leaving the city of Thebes without a king.
With Laius gone, Thebes was attacked by the Sphinx, a terrible monster with the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle and the head of a woman. The Sphinx tormented the people of Thebes, refusing to leave until someone, anyone, could answer her riddle. All who attempted to answer the riddle failed and were eaten by the monster.
Then a stranger arrived, a traveler from another city. His name was Oedipus. He solved the riddle of the Sphinx and saved the city. In gratitude, the people of Thebes made him their king. He married the queen, Jocasta, and together they had several children and ruled in peace and happiness for many years.
Now, however, a terrible curse has fallen over the city. Crops sicken, children and mothers die in childbirth and a horrible sickness spreads death throughout the land. Once again, the people of Thebes turn to Oedipus, in the hope that he can lift the curse and save the city.
Director’s Note
Sophocles’ play Oedipus the King was first performed in Greece around 430 BC. Even then, the story of Oedipus was old, having been told for hundreds of years in many forms.
Human beings have been telling this story for over 2,500 years.
Will we still be telling it 2,500 years from now?
Will there be anyone left to hear it?
What kind of world would that be?
In our production at Repertory, we have attempted to imagine what a performance of Oedipus might look like if it were still being performed in 2,500 years. Our set, costume and mask designers have imagined a post-apocalyptic world where not much remains of our once great civilization. What does remain, however, is the need to tell this most timeless of stories: the story of a human being struggling to uncover the truth of his existence and to control his destiny.
It has been a true pleasure working with this remarkable cast and crew of talented young actors, deisgners and theatre artists. They have brought tremendous courage and creativity to the challenge of bringing this strange and ancient play to life. I am proud and honored to have had this opportunity to work with them. We hope you enjoy the show!
