Sophocles: Oedipus Tyrannus

Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus (or Oedipus Rex) has exerted more influence than any other drama, ancient or modern, on the history of theatre, and this influence has extended far beyond the boundaries of the western theatrical tradition to include African and Oriental theatre histories as well. This volume traces Sophocles' paradigmatic ancient tragedy from its first appearance on the stage in the fifth century BC to present day productions. The afterlife of Oedipus has played a key role in the history of ideas, and this volume examines its centrality to the history of stage censorship and political and cultural upheaval across the centuries. More recently, the protagonist has come under close scrutiny in his association with the Oedipus of psychoanalytical theory. Macintosh demonstrates how, by following the fortunes of Sophocles' Oedipus on the world stage, one witnesses its intersection with and impact upon the history of theatre and the history of ideas.

'A profound, well-researched and engaging study. Readers from a wide range of backgrounds, and at all levels of experience, will greatly profit from this fine piece of scholarship.' Martin Revermann, University of Toronto

Fiona Macintosh is Senior Research Fellow at the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama, University of Oxford.