Sophocles

Tyrant Oidipous: A New Translation of Sophocles's Oedipus Tyrannus

Sophocles's 'Oedipus Tyrannus' (also known by its Latin title 'Oedipus Rex') is one of the world's fundamental works of literature, the model for Aristotle's theory of tragedy, and the inspiration for Freud's Oedipus Complex. This new translation, rigorously faithful to Sophocles' words and images, reveals the play in all its dramatic and poetic power, the terrifying story of a man whose idealism and belief in his own ability to uncover secrets destroys himself and everyone he loves. Both a murder investigation and an exploration of the struggle between free will and fate-between rational choice and the oracles of the gods-'Tyrant Oidipous' takes us into the heart of our own deepest mysteries. --- "Rachel Pollack and David Vine have captured on the page the primal sounds of this ancient Greek play in a new translation that is accessible, clear and eminently performable. 'Tyrant Oidipous' is destined for the theatre; the poetry has been crafted with both actor and audience in mind. I expect to see many productions of this very fine translation on the world's stages." (Deborah Brevoort, playwright, 'The Women of Lockerbie') --- "A double mystery, this fresh translation is a crime story and an exploration of fate as Sophocles intended. Taking it back to archaic roots in the original language, Pollack and Vine capture the magnificence of the precise moment mortal lives intersect with the intentions of their gods. 'Oidipous' the play is gorgeous in this unique rendering. Utterly rational, purely poetic, fast-paced storytelling compels the unfolding drama. Don't miss the introductory notes." (Nor Hall, author of 'The Moon & the Virgin')