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In terms of storyline ‘Oedipus
at Colonus’ comes before ‘Antigone’, but
was actually written by Sophocles long after, and was treated
as a separate piece of dramatic writing with several inconsistencies
of time and character between them.
After our successful adaptation of ‘Antigone’
in 2004, we have decided to adapt ‘Oedipus at Colonus’
for 2005, and to try to reconcile this play with Antigone
in our treatment to allow a possible future production of
a combined presentation of both plays.
‘Oedipus at Colonus’ is not frequently performed,
but to those familiar with the Theban plays of Sophocles it
can be a very satisfying and even serene play. Despite the
vitriol and harshness of the conflicts played out within the
piece, the play gives Oedipus a voice and a magnificent, almost
victorious closure.
It feels as though this was a deeply significant play for
Sophocles himself. After an amazing life, lived in an astonishingly
rich and significant time for the development of civilisation,
he chose Colonus, the place of his birth, and wrote ‘Oedipus
at Colonus’ toward the end of his ninety years of life.
Works well productions will apply its core values of trying
to make this ancient and excellent piece of drama feel alive
and accessible to a new audience in 2005. Our focus will be
on the truth of human emotions explored in the work, and we
plan to continue to develop our treatment of Greek Chorus
for presentation by a small ensemble company in the intimate
and powerful theatrical space of the Cheltenham Everyman’s
studio.
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