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Sophocles was born in Colonus, a part of Athens, about 495
or 497 BC. He died about 406 BC, his life having spanned
nearly the entire fifth century in Athens.
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During his lifetime Pericles became leader of Athens; the
Parthenon was built; the Peloponnesian War between Athens
and Sparta was fought (431-404 BC), and democracy took
root and flourished.
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As the son of a wealthy weapons-maker, Sophocles studied
poetry, music, dancing and gymnastics - subjects regarded
as the basis of a well-rounded education for a Greek citizen.
This early schooling prepared him to serve as a leader in all
aspects of public life, including the military, foreign policy
and the arts. Sophocles lived during the Greek Classical
Period (500 to 400 BC), a time of transition when political
and cultural events were changing and reshaping Athenian
culture. As a dramatist, Sophocles played an important role
in the creation of this civilization, which included looking
backward to ancient tradition and the works of Homer, which
greatly influenced him. Sophocles also studied under the
Greek playwright Aeschylus whose plays had won prizes at
the Festival of Dionysus.
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Over the years Sophocles actively participated in Athenian
political and cultural life, often in positions of responsibility.
In 443 BC, Pericles chose him to be treasurer of the Delian
Confederation as a sort of tax collector. In 440 BC, Sophocles
served as a general at the siege of Samos, an island that
challenged the authority of Athens. Despite all his public
service, though, Sophocles remained first and foremost a
dramatist. Upon his death a national cult dedicated a shrine
to his memory.
OEDIPUS REX by Sophocles
April 1-10, 2005
Special lecture
"Open house" lecture about Sophocles, Oedipus, Greek mythology and more.
Featuring the Stage Director of Oedipus Rex Anatoly Anohin, Set Designer Timaree McCormick, Lillian Corti "Blindness, Sight, and Psycoanalysis in Oedipus" of the UAF English Department and Dr.
Joseph Thompson "Oedipus Rex and the Oracle at Delphi" of the UAF Philosophy & Humanities
Department. Monday, March 28, 5:30pm in the Lee H. Salisbury Theatre Free Admission & will be available on-line via streaming audio and video! Check back here for details.OEDIPUS REX in the Lee H. Salsibury Theatre
Friday, April 1 @ 8:15pm
Saturday, April 2 @ 8:15pm
Sunday, April 3 @ 2:00pm followed by a Q&A with the director and cast!