To thwart the Oracle of Delphi’s prophecy: (“Your son will kill you and marry his mother”), King Laius of Thebes mutilated the feet of his newborn son and ordered a shepherd to abandon him on the mountainside. But the shepherd gave the baby to Polybus, King of Corinth, who raised him as his own son and named him Oedipus (“swollen feet”).

Years later, hoping to clarify his origins, Oedipus goes to Delphi only to hear the same prophecy. Returning home he argues with an old man over the right of way at a crossroads and kills him and all but one of his attendants. Unknowingly he has fulfilled the prophecy. Oedipus leaves Corinth for Thebes, a city suffering from a plague caused by the Sphinx. He solves the creature’s riddle, and the plague disappears. For this he is given Jocasta, the widow of Laius as his wife, and the throne of Thebes. The prophecy is fulfilled.

Scene 1: Oedipus and the Sphinx

Though the riddle was solved, the plague is returning.

Scene 2: Oedipus the King

The Elders plead for relief from the plague. Jocasta’s brother, Kreon, brings a prophecy “Only the punishment of Laius’ murder will save Thebes.” The seer Tiresias accuses Oedipus of the crime.

Scene 3: Child in the Wilderness

In a pantomime we see Oedipus as a child.

Scene 4: Oedipus and Kreon

Oedipus accuses his brother-in-law of conspiracy.

Scene 5: Oedipus and the Mother

Jocasta remembers Laius’ death.

Scene 6: Oedipus at the Crossroads

Scene 7: The Shepherd

A messenger reports the death of Polybus. He tells Oedipus that he was not his real son.

Scene 8: The Truth

Jocasta cries co protect Oedipus from the truth. The attendant who escaped murder recognizes him.

Scene 9: The Child Is Saved

Oedipus understands everything. Jocasta kills herself.

Scene 10: Punishment

Oedipus blinds himself. His children are taken from him: He leaves as he came, alone.