“OEDIPUS REX” by Sophocles

One of the leading ancient tragedies, Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is presented at the Ancient Theatre of Philippi on 11th and 12th August, as part of the 66th Philippi Festival, directed by Simos Kakalas with Giannis Stankoglou in the title role and Marilita Lambropoulou in the role of Jocasta. A production of Iasmos Theatre Events.

They are joined by an ensemble of outstanding actors: Giannis Dalianis, Christos Malakis, Giorgos Amoutzas, Panagos Ioakim and 5 other actors. Fotis Siotas, who composed the music for the show, is the musician on stage.

The translation is by Giorgos Blanas, the set design by Giannis Katranitsas, the movement direction by Sofia Paschou, the lighting design by Alekos Giannaros and the design of the masks, which are a structural element of the performance, by Martha Foka.

Oedipus is confronted with the destiny he has been trying to escape since his birth. The oracle received by his father, King Laius of Thebes, is confirmed in the worst possible way. Oedipus unwittingly commits patricide, marries his mother Jocasta and ascends the throne of Thebes himself. The tragic truth is soon revealed, confirming that man cannot escape his fate.

Oedipus Rex is one of the most popular and widely performed works of ancient Greek literature in our country and around the world, spreading the Greek spirit and its timeless messages to all mankind.

Note by Simos Kakalas

Never before in the history of mankind have we "seen" so far into the universe and so deeply into man. Too often, on the brink of disaster, we find that the evil we are fighting is ourselves. The face of Oedipus is humanity itself in the mirror. Having found the culprit, he finds himself at the point where he must make an urgent choice, even at the last moment, even after having made the greatest mistake.

In this performance, seen as a ritual of purification, a group in masks of old men form the chorus, twisting, mourning and agonising. Through this chorus, the tragic figures of Oedipus, Jocasta, Tiresias and Creon are revealed.

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/M6XubC6pP8g