STARKVILLE, Miss.--The nation's longest running classical touring company will perform a popular Greek drama Jan. 18 at Mississippi State.
"The Oedipus Cycle," a part of the university's 2004-05 Lyceum Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the McComas Hall theater.
A tale of destiny, betrayal and self-discovery originally presented as part of ancient annual festivals, the Oedipus plays were written by 5th century B.C. playwright Sophocles and are among seven surviving in their entirety. They include "Oedipus the King," "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone."
A condensed version of the three plays, "Cycle" has been adapted exclusively for the National Players Co. of Washington, D.C. As directed by Alan Wade, the production focuses on personal responsibility and its consequences in the lives of, among others, Oedipus, king of Thebes; his brother-in-law Creon; and Oedipus' daughters Antigone and Ismene.
Wade, a veteran Players director, is a theater professor at George Washington University. "The Pelican Brief" and "Homicide" are among his film and television credits.
Available at the door, tickets for the MSU performance are $10 for adults; $8 for senior citizens, by request; and $6 for children 3-12 years old. MSU students are admitted free with valid student identification.
National Players is composed of young professionals from the country's leading college drama programs. The troupe has performed in 35 states and 10 foreign countries, with the guiding performance philosophy of "tell the story."
In addition to sometimes multiple roles during a performance, cast members are involved in every aspect of staging, from set raisings to prop and lighting checks.
For more information about this or other 2005 MSU Lyceum performances, visit http://www.msstate.edu/dept/lyceum/ or telephone (662) 325-4201.