Oedipus at Colonus

Sophocles’ classic tragedy, Oedipus at Colonus, continues the story of the tragic character Oedipus as he nears the end of his life, telling the story of the now-blind Oedipus’s visit to Colonus with his daughters Ismene and Antigone, as suppliants of King Theseus. One of the most important and influential works of ancient Greek theater, Oedipus at Colonus continues to shock and provoke modern audiences, raising piercing questions about the human condition, fate, and justice in a broken world. With Oedipus at Colonus, readers can explore the timeless themes of Sophocles’ ancient tragedy, and discover its powerful relevance in the modern world. Sophocles (c. 497/6 – 406/5 BC) was one of the three great ancient Greek tragedians, along with Aeschylus and Euripides. Born in 496 B.C. in Colonus, a village near Athens, Sophocles was the son of a wealthy merchant. He was trained in the art of rhetoric by the great teacher Gorgias, and was also a skilled musician and athlete. Sophocles is best known for his contributions to the development of tragedy. He wrote over 120 plays, of which seven have survived intact. These are the Oedipus trilogy (Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone), Ajax, Electra, Trachinian Women, and Philoctetes. These plays are notable for their complex themes, such as the inevitability of fate, loyalty, fidelity, power and responsibility. Sophocles was a highly influential figure in the development of Greek theater, and his works are still performed and studied all over the world. He was awarded first prize in the City Dionysia, a prominent drama festival in Athens, 18 times. He was also an active politician and served as a general in the Peloponnesian War. Sophocles was also known for his dedication to the gods and his involvement in religious ceremonies. He died in 406 B.C., leaving behind a legacy of superbly crafted plays and a unique style of tragedy. He remains one of the most renowned playwrights in the Western world.a