Drama Society of STC Take on ‘The Tragedy of King Oedipus’
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The Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia this year, will stage Greek tragedian Sophocles’ ‘The Tragedy of King Oedipus’. The STC Drama Society is the oldest Performing Arts Society in Sri Lanka and boasts a rich history and tradition. The Society was founded in 1872 and ever since, has staged many productions including Antigone (2005), Nickleby (2009), Tons of Money (2009) and last year, the Society performed C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
King Oedipus, aware that a terrible curse has befallen Thebes, sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to seek the advice of Apollo. Creon informs Oedipus that the curse will be lifted if the murderer of Laius, the former king, is found and prosecuted. Greek tragedies are not a conventional genre of theatre in Sri Lanka especially in schools. The cast will offer audiences the rare opportunity of witnessing a tragedy of this nature on the Chapel Steps in the scenic comfort of the Senior Quadrangle.
The cast comprises of 25 actors, some seasoned and some fresh faces in the A/L grades. Kathesh Handy will play the lead role of Oedipus the controversial protagonist and King of Thebes, Ashvin Perera will take on the role of Creon the brother-in-law of Oedipus, Gowrienanthan Balarupan will take on the role of Jocasta the wife of Oedipus and Lihan Mendis will lead the Chorus of Theban elders.
Although this tragedy was written by Sophocles in 4 BC, the plot, underlying themes and messages are reflected in both Siegmund Freud’s theory – the ‘Oedipus complex’ as well as the social and political arena all around the modern world. The Associate-Sponsors are Colombo Stock Exchange and Ceylinco Life, Event Partner is BLING Entertainment, Exclusive Print Media Sponsors are The Sunday Times, Daily FT and Daily Mirror and the Exclusive Online Ticket Partner is Tickets.lk for this event.
‘The Tragedy of King Oedipus’, produced by Marlon Jesudason will go on boards from October 16 -19, 2014. Tickets are priced at Rs. 800/- each and can be purchased from the College Gymnasium and Tickets.lk.