Further Reading on Oedipus and other Translations

Oedipus and the Sphinx

Within this blog I have researched and posted many ideas on Oedipus and Ancient Greece around 427 BC when the play was finished. However, in order to gain an even greater incite into the play I have posted other links of differing translations of the play and other sources of information. One factor that I did not touch on is the Freudian idea of the Oedipus Complex, which may or may not effect the production.








 Links:

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~loxias/myth.htm

http://www.enotes.com/oedipus-rex-text/oedipus-rex

http://www.archive.org/stream/oedipuskingofthe015093mbp/oedipuskingofthe015093mbp_djvu.txt

http://evans-experientialism.freewebspace.com/sophocles_oedipus02.htm

 http://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/sophocles/oedipus-king.asp

 http://www.sikyon.com/thebes/history_eg.html

*For those who might not be aware, the Oedipus complex suggest that young men wish to marry a women who is in every way like the man's mother. Essentially, wanting to marry their mothers. Some people contribute this to a young man's bond to their mother's, where as girls tend to bond closer with their fathers.*

Olry, Regis. "Oedipus Complex." CWU Brooks Library - Login from Off Campus. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&hid=9&sid=bf0b06ff-ad5c-4109-b2c5-a6966c9adf53@sessionmgr11>.

Oedipus Video Source

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpqVmviDEvk&feature=&p=422B4AD5E82BE89A&index=0&playnext=1

This video source provides a complete movie of Oedipus the King that aired on TV starring Michael Pennington, Claire Bloom, and John Shrapnel.

The movie is very well done in that it provides a look into how Greece might have looked at the time of Oedipus. The costumes represent the style of the time and the art work and architecture are typical of Ancient Greek. Also, the actors portraying the characters really capture the essence of Greek society. This video clip gives a lot of ideas and concepts that would be interesting to think about when planning a production of Oedipus.


"YouTube - Oedipus The King -- Part 2/12." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpqVmviDEvk&feature=&p=422B4AD5E82BE89A&index=0&playnext=1>.

Greek Society

To better understand the characters in Oedipus, you need to be familiar with the society of Ancient Greece during the time that Sophocles wrote Oedipus. This will also help actors and directors to better understand the actions of the play. Where modern day American society might think an action would be cruel, for example, in Greek society it might be considered normal.

Women in Greece:

Vase painting of Greek women and men socializing

Women had their own guardian, such as a father, brother, or husband. They could own jewelery, clothing, slaves, etc., but they could not buy anything. Although able to partake in religious ceremonies, they were not allowed to vote. Girls were married shortly after puberty in arranged marriages that were meant for financial reasons and to produce heirs. Emotions had no part in marriages in Greece. Woman's role in society was to run the chores of the house and care for the children. They were expected to remain in their homes and not roam the streets. There is some evidence suggesting some women could read and write, but it was not common among the public.




Men in Greece:

All property was owned by men in Ancient Greece. This land would in turn pass down to the oldest son when a father passed and so on. Although men were married off in arranged marriages like the women, they were often married at an older age to much younger girls. They participated in social discussions and men could vote. Even as young boys, males held power over women of any age in Greek Society.

"Women in Ancient Greece." Ancient Greece. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://www.ancient-greece.us/women.html>.

Oedipus Background info

Most of the action of the Oedipus play takes place before the play begins. This information though is very important if you are to fully understand the happenings of the play. Without knowledge of the background, Sophocles message would be completely missed.

Background information:

• Jocasta and Laius were the King and Queen or Thebes.
• Jocasta and Laius were told by Tiresias, the blind prophet, that they would have a son that would murder his father, Laius.
• Jocasta and Laius ordered their son to be left on the hillside outside the city to die in order to prevent the prophecy from happening.
• Laius left Thebes and was never seen again, believed to have been murdered by robbers. 
• A shepherd from Corinth was given a baby that he brought to the King and Queen of Corinth who raised the child as their own. They named him Oedipus.
• When Oedipus was a young man he was told by a prophet that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Frightened by this, he leaves Corinth to spare his family and to avoid this horrible fate.
• On the road between Thebes and Corinth, Oedipus meets a group of traveling men that he fights and kills.
• Creon, Laius' brother announced that anyone who could solve the Sphinx's riddle would be crowned King of Thebes.
• Oedipus was the only man who could solve the riddle and was thus named King and married Jocasta.
• Oedipus was regarded as Thebes' savior and was a truly honored King and had four children with Jocasta. Two boys and two girls, one of which was Antigone.
• After some years as ruler of Thebes, the country began to go down hill. Plague was taking over Thebes and no crops were growing. The people of Thebes look to Oedipus to be their savor once again at the beginning of the play.

Burgess, Anthony. Sophocles, Oedipus The King. London: Oxford UP, 1972. Print.

Learning from Greek Vase

This Greek vase shows a representation of one of the many Greek Plays but not an actual painting of what the scene would have looked like. This is because of the appearance of women, which would have been portrayed by men on the stage. Also the serpents most likely would not have been in the actual production. However, we can gather some other elements about Greek theatre from this vase painting. Clearly this scene is portraying a sort of ritual and perhaps even a dance that might have been apart of the productions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Ancient Greek Pottery 2/2." Hellenica, Information about Greece and Cyprus, Michael Lahanas. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Pottery2.htm>.

Greek Theatre Sets

Theatre of Halicarnassus

According to the Costumes of the Greeks and Romans there is evidence of a few set pieces that might have been used during Greek performances. Couches covered with skins or drapery, large arm chairs with foot stools, thrones, portable chairs without arms and legs commonly made from elephant's tusks. Greek theatres also had a skene, "a three dimensional structure which formed part of the stage or set" (ORO, skene). The skene would typically be decorated to match the plays theme that was being performed and could serve as the backdrop for the performance.

Gill, By N.s. "Greek Theater - The Physical Layout of the Ancient Greek Theater." Ancient / Classical History - Ancient Greece & Rome & Classics Research Guide. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/greektheater/ss/120109GreekTheater_6.htm>.

CWU Brooks Library - Login from Off Campus. Web. 30 Oct. 2010. <http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/views/SEARCH_RESULTS.html?y=0&q=skene&x=0&ssid=752974827&scope=global&time=0.00867944483871952>.

Hope, Thomas. Costumes of the Greeks and Romans. New York: Dover Publications, 1962. Print.

General History Facts of Greek Theatre

• The Chorus originally consisted of 12 members, however Sophocles added 3 more for a total of 15 members. The chorus was considered the mouth piece of the society and typically suffered along with the heroes of the play.
• Tragedies were being presented to honor the God Dionysus. 
• All roles were performed by men.
• Masks were commonly worn to distinguish characters and emotions. 

Not a lot is known about Ancient Greek Theatre so a lot of information is just perceived. This makes it difficult to create a completely accurate recreation of a Greek theatre performance. The information that we do have is mainly found on vases from the time period that show scenes from various plays. 

Greek clothing styles around 427 BC

Sophocles wrote Oedipus around 427 BC, and it can be assumed that, although the theatre costumes would be more extravagant, they would still reflect the clothing styles of this era.

During this time the Greek fashion consisted of several layers of fabrics and wraps.
-Men and women both wore a tunic, it was a light tissue, sometimes made of wool or silk and worn next to the skin. It was constructed of two square pieces of fabric sewn together with claps that held it together over the shoulder. *Note: Jocasta was wearing a tunic when Oedipus removed the broaches at her shoulders*

Greek women wearing the common dress of the time

-Women would commonly wear a girdle with the tunic. It was also not uncommon to wear two girdles of different sizes.
-Philosophers and other male figures would sometimes abstain from wearing tunics and instead throw a cloak or mantle over their naked bodies.
-Women would also wear a second garment that would tie around the chest and was secured by clasps.
-Both sexes would also wear a peplum, which was wound around the body. Under the arms and then over the shoulders was most common. This was reserved for ceremonies most commonly.
-Traveling men would often be seen with a flat broad brimmed hat tied under the chin to protect them from the sun.
-Shoes during this time were not often worn. Sometimes a simple sole with strings tied around the ankle would be enough to wear. Other times shoes consisted of a sole with a covering of animal fur over the foot and strings tied around the ankle.
-It is also a misconception that all Greek fashion was white or gray colored, vases have shown that Greek fashion was quite colorful.
-Oedipus was a the king of Thebes and such he would be dressed very grandly. Probably adorning an olive branch wreath to show peace.

"Clothing of Ancient Greek Women." Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/costume/costume.html>.

Hope, Thomas. Costumes of the Greeks and Romans. New York: Dover Publications, 1962. Print.

Oedipus terms and definitions

Within the play of Oedipus there are many terms that might not be easily recognized by modern people. These terms are of importance because they help construct the given circumstances of the play and need to be represented as authentically as possible.

Terms:

Olive Branch Garland

•   Priest:  "Cities in the Graeco‐Roman world always had men and women, often of high rank, specially chosen for the service of the gods and goddesses. They might be serving for life or for a fixed term; they might be holding a hereditary position, or be publicly elected or selected by some other method. The offices always carried honour, but often too, esp. in later periods, the expectation of high expenditure by the holders. The duties varied widely, from quite humble service to high authority and power" (ORO, priest) The Greeks had both men and women priests, the men for the gods, and women for the goddesses
• olive garland branch: to hold an olive garland branch is to show peace and reconciliation.  (ORO, olive branch)
• .votive offerings: voluntary dedications to the gods, usually during a time of anxiety. These gifts for the gods consisted of everything from locks of hair, tools, prizes, small statuettes, and masks.

CWU Brooks Library - Login from Off Campus. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/views/SEARCH_RESULTS.html?y=0&q=greek votive offerings&x=0&ssid=1219570089&time=0.289072341390927>.

Oedipus; A short summery of the play

Summary:
The basic plot of Oedipus is a prophet tells King Laius and Queen Jocasta that their son will one day murder his father and marry his mother. Horrified by this the King and Queen order that their son be taken to the mountains and killed. However, the man in charge of this instead leaves the baby Oedipus on the mountain. Later the baby is found and adopted by Queen Periboea in a neighboring town. After becoming a man, Oedipus is traveling to other towns when he stumbles upon King Laius. After a disagreement, Oedipus kills Laius. Then, after a proclamation is made that whoever solved the Sphinx's riddle will be king, Oedipus comes to Thebes and solves the puzzle. After being named king, Oedipus then marries Jocasta, unknowing that this is his true mother. After having several children and ruling for many years, the prophet comes back and reveals the truth about Oedipus marrying his mother and killing his father. Upon hearing this, Oedipus gouges his eyes out and Jocasta commits suicide. Finally, Oedipus is put into exile by his own sons who take over the thrown and cast out their cursing father.

"Oedipus and the Sphinx" c. 470 BC, Etruscan Museum, The Vatican

History:
Oedipus was wrote by Sophocles around 427 BC. It is said to have been first performed in 428 BC.

Commentary:
The picture to the right is a painted plate said to have been painted around 470 BC in Greece. It depicts Oedipus listening to the Sphinx's riddle. This classical Greek piece shows Oedipus dressed as a traveler, wearing a hat, perhaps to block the sun, and what appears to be a bag around his shoulder. Oedipus is also depicted as having a rather large beard which conveys that he is a man and perhaps a man of great authority.


"Oedipus the King." Hellenica, Information about Greece and Cyprus, Michael Lahanas. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/LX/OedipusKing.html>.

"Oedipus - Greek Mythology Link." Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Oedipus.html>.
Image:
"Oedipus and the Sphinx, Vatican Museum." Hellenica, Information about Greece and Cyprus, Michael Lahanas. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/OedipusAndTheSphinxVatican.html>.