Sponsored by the University of Notre Dame and in partnership with Theater of War Productions, The Oedipus Project presents acclaimed actors reading scenes from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, constructive, global conversations about climate change, ecological disaster, and environmental justice. The virtual production—sponsored by Notre Dame but open to a world-wide audience—will feature performances by, among others, Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck), Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone), Glenn Davis (Billions), Marjolaine Goldsmith (Company Manager of Theater of War Productions), and Jumaane Williams (New York City Public Advocate).
Following the reading of scenes, four members of the Notre Dame community will kick off the discussion with their responses to the reading. We will then open the discussion to the audience, facilitated by Bryan Doerries, director of The Oedipus Project.
Sophocles’ ancient play, first performed in 429 BC, just after a plague that killed nearly one-third of the Athenian population, is a story of arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, intergenerational curses, willful blindness, and a pestilence and ecological collapse that ravages the archaic city of Thebes. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King appears to have been a powerful tool for helping Athenians communalize trauma and loss, while interrogating their own complicit role in the suffering, not just of those around them but of generations to come.
To participate in the virtual event, fill out the form below.
Students are invited to gather for a watch party in Dahnke Ballroom, Duncan Student on October 27 at 6:30 p.m. This watch party is only open to Notre Dame students due to COVID protocols.