The Theatre and Performance Media Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will kick off its fall theatre season with Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” from Oct. 11–16 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Proscenium Theater. Translated by Bryan Doerries and directed by Bob McGrath, the multimedia adaptation draws parallels to today’s pandemic and political climate.

Sophocles’ original “Oedipus the King” tells the story of an overconfident ruler during a plague. He refuses to listen to advisors, denies prophecy, and finds out upon investigation that he is the source of the plague. He then loses his wife, crown, country, power and honor and is sentenced to exile, a fate worse than death in ancient Greece. “Oedipus” is a story of leadership, accountability and the challenges that elected officials and citizens face during plagues.

Based on Doerries’ translation and originally written and performed over Zoom in 2020, the adapted “Oedipus the King” is a podcast, play, concert and much more. This production of “Oedipus” is set in a world that combines the elements of a true-crime podcast, the January 6th committee hearings and a Baptist gospel church.

Featuring classic American 20th century gospel and blues music, this re-telling of the classic Sophocles’ tragedy brings this ancient story into the modern day, drawing parallels between the plague in Thebes and the COVID-19 pandemic in America through the intersection of many forms of media.

Tickets are free for Eastern students; $5 for other students and groups of 10 or more; $10 for senior citizens; $12 for Eastern faculty, staff and alumni; and $20 for the general public.

Performances will occur on Oct. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 14 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 16 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit: https://easternct.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=50

For information about the production and links to Eastern’s ticketing website, visit: https://www.easternct.edu/theatre/productions/oedipus.html For reservations, call the box office at (860) 465-5123 or email theatreboxoffice@easternct.edu