THEBAN PLAYS, THE: OEDIPUS AT COLONUS (TV)
Summary
The second play in the Theban trilogy by the Greek playwright Sophocles, focusing on the death of Oedipus while in exile. Oedipus, old and blind, wanders in exile accompanied by his daughter Antigone. A passerby informs them that they are trespassing on holy ground known as Colonus, ruled by King Theseus of Athens; the man leaves to alert the elders. Alone with Antigone, Oedipus reveals that he has found his final resting place as foretold by an oracle from the god Apollo. The elders of Colonus arrive, angry at the trespass. As Oedipus begins to explain why he is an exile, his second daughter, Ismene, arrives on horseback with news that Oedipus' two sons are at war over control of Thebes. Polynices, the eldest son, has been banished from Thebes, and is now in Argos gathering soldiers for battle. She further states that, in answer to an oracle, Oedipus' brother-in-law Creon will soon arrive to take Oedipus back to Thebes. Angered over his son's lack of support in the past, Oedipus decides to stay in Colonus, and promises good fortune to the city of Athens if his request for refuge is granted. Theseus agrees to protect Oedipus and departs after promising him safe burial in Colonus. Creon appears with soldiers and attempts to persuade Oedipus to return to Thebes with him, but Oedipus refuses and accuses him of vile manipulation. Creon orders his soldiers to seize Antigone and Ismene. Alerted to the situation, Theseus arrives and captures Creon, forcing him to lead them to Antigone and Ismene. The elders's prayers are answered when Theseus returns safely with Oedipus' daughters.
Oedipus, reunited with Antigone and Ismene, thanks Theseus for their safe return. Theseus tells Oedipus that a man claiming to be his relative from Argos wishes to speak with him. Oedipus realizes it is his son Polynices, who is preparing for war with Thebes, and agrees to see him on the condition that they won't be left alone together. Theseus orders his soldiers to stay with Oedipus. Polynices is brought before Oedipus, who listens as his son asks for his compassion and support. Polynices knows from the oracle that whoever has Oedipus on his side will win the battle. Oedipus angrily denounces both his sons, and predicts that each will die by the other's hand. Polynices, though fully aware of the consequences, decides to march on to Thebes anyway and upsets Antigone when he asks her to see that he gets a proper burial. Despite Antigone's pleas, Polynices leaves for war. Soon after, the gods, with thunder and lightning, forewarn Oedipus of his death. Oedipus tells Theseus that his burial place must remain a secret; only Theseus will know, and he must pass the secret on to his heirs. By so doing, he will bring his country strength greater than any army. Theseus follows Oedipus, who is helped by Antigone and Ismene, as the elders pray for Oedipus' safe passing. A messenger arrives and announces Oedipus' death. Antigone and Ismene mourn the death of their father, and the elders assure them they can stay safely in Athens. Theseus returns and denies Antigone's request to see the secret burial place of her father; however, he grants her and Ismene safe passage to Thebes so they can try to prevent the war between their brothers. Everyone departs Colonus as the elders proclaim that sorrow has run its course and the suffering has finally come to an end.
Details
- NETWORK: A&E
- DATE: September 17, 1987 11:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 2:11:11
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T89:0326
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Theater; Greek drama
- SERIES RUN: A&E - TV, 1987
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Louis Marks … Producer
- Don Taylor … Producer, Adapted by
- Sophocles … Writer
- Derek Bourgeois … Composer, Conductor
- Catherine Edwards … Choral Director
- Endymion Ensemble, The … Music Group
- Anthony Quayle … Cast, Oedipus
- Juliet Stevenson … Cast, Antigone
- Paul Copley … Cast, a Local Man
- Gwen Taylor … Cast, Ismene
- Clive Francis … Cast, Theseus
- John Shrapnel … Cast, Creon
- Kenneth Haigh … Cast, Polynices
- Michael N. Harbour … Cast, Messenger
- David Belcher … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Andrew Burt … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- John Gabriel … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Christopher Hancock … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Ian Hogg … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Edward Jewesbury … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Trevor Peacock … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Bryan Pringle … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Morgan Sheppard … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Barry Stanton … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Jerome Willis … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus
- Frank Windsor … Cast, One of the Chorus of Elders of Colonus