AEF2023: Oedipus Rex

It’s that time of the year again, when Athenians start planning their summer holidays around the programme of the Athens Epidaurus Festival. The leading performing arts festival in Greece, and one of the oldest in Europe, returns between June 1st and August 26th for its 68th edition with a rich programme of events. As always, the main venues are the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the industrial complex of Pireos 260 and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Click here for our festival picks or head over to the official website for the full programme.

Is it possible for man to avoid his fate? How much courage does it take to make the right decision? Sophocles’ acclaimed tragedy, Oedipus Rex, follows the story of Oedipus, the beloved King of Thebes, who unknowingly marries his mother and kills his father. When he finds out the truth, he blinds himself in an act of guilt. Simos Kakalas approaches the popular play as if it were a purifying ceremony. With the Chorus consisting of actors wearing Elder’s masks, amongst whom the tragic characters are revealed. Oedipus at Colonus, the last of the three Theban tragedies by Sophocles (Rex is the second, Antigone is the first) is also being staged in this year’s AEF.