Oedipus

based on the translation by Friedrich Hölderlin
adapted by Jürgen Gosch and Wolfgang Wiens

The plague is raging in Thebes, plunging the city into a major crisis. All hope rests on the ruler Oedipus who, years earlier, already proved himself to be a knight in shining armour which resulted in him being appointed king and marrying Jocasta, the widow of the previous ruler, Laius. Now the population is desperate for him to lead them out of their plight and the state of emergency. Oedipus sends his brother-in-law Creon to the oracle at Delphi to seek advice on how to put an end to the sickness and death. In a discussion with Creon, Oedipus interprets the oracle’s prophecy as a hint about Laius’ unpunished murder. Oedipus publicly vows to solve the case and places a curse on the unknown perpetrator. What begins is a search to find a scapegoat for the plague that leads Oedipus to uncover the mysteries of his own identity and ultimately forces him to face himself and his own blind spot. Set in the anxious and fearful atmosphere of a plague epidemic, Sophocles’ drama examines the human condition trapped as it is between the past and future, fate and self-determination, guilt and anger.
Director Ulrich Rasche takes a special look at the understanding of power and dominion, the gap between rulers and the populace, and the fundamental issue of democracy.