The House of Oedipus
By Anna Galligan
Age range
13 – 15, 16 +
Cast size
15 +
Approx. running time
90 mins +
Gender breakdown
Male: 7
Female: 3
Also: 6 characters of any gender. There are also four chorus groups.
Female: 3
Also: 6 characters of any gender. There are also four chorus groups.
Setting
The palace at Thebes and the countryside of Colonus.
Note
An epic Greek Tragedy for a large cast.
First performance
Kilkenny Youth Theatre in 2016.
Synopsis
Are pride and stubbornness the cause Oedipus’ downfall or did he commit some unknown sin against the Gods? He committed a crime but did not know it was a crime, was he guilty? Bringing four Greek tragedies together, this full-length play brings us three generations, two countries, five kings, two plagues and one war.
We meet the unknowing Oedipus who kills his father and marries his mother with dire consequences not only for himself but his whole family. There’s his brother-in-law, Creon who professes not to want the crown but his actions say different. Then Antigone, that famous heroine, who walks to her death strong in her convictions that her actions were true.
For the youth theatre that is up for a rewarding challenge, this play offers myriad opportunities for ensemble work, complex characters, high drama and the tragedy one man’s family who are doomed from the beginning.
With plenty of scope for differing cast size and gender demands, there is lots to offer newer and more experienced youth theatre members.
We meet the unknowing Oedipus who kills his father and marries his mother with dire consequences not only for himself but his whole family. There’s his brother-in-law, Creon who professes not to want the crown but his actions say different. Then Antigone, that famous heroine, who walks to her death strong in her convictions that her actions were true.
For the youth theatre that is up for a rewarding challenge, this play offers myriad opportunities for ensemble work, complex characters, high drama and the tragedy one man’s family who are doomed from the beginning.
With plenty of scope for differing cast size and gender demands, there is lots to offer newer and more experienced youth theatre members.