Sophocles’ Oedipus the King
24 - 28 September 2026
Award-winning Canberra company Greek Theatre Now presents Sophocles’ Oedipus the King at the Saw Avenue Amphitheatre.
Dates and times
Event information
A unique and exciting opportunity to see one of the greatest Greek tragedies ever written - Sophocles’ Oedipus the King - performed outdoors at Kings Park & Botanic Garden.
The play is about the mythical tragic hero Oedipus, who unwittingly fulfils a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, bringing disaster to his city and family.
It explores fate versus free will, man’s relationship with the Divine, leadership and family ties.
Greek Theatre Now founder and artistic director Michael J Smith wrote the script based on British scholar Richard Claverhouse Jebb’s 1904 translation, which remains a gold standard.
“Michael J Smith’s adapted and dramatized RC Jebb translation paradoxically possesses the power of classical grandeur within a dramatic immediacy that is the very essence of simple, direct and totally engaging storytelling” - Canberra Critics Circle
"One of the easiest productions to listen to that I have witnessed in a long time." - Canberra CityNews
"A prime example of excellent theatre." - Canberra Critics Circle
"An excellent production of Oedipus the King for our time." - Canberra Critics Circle
Dates & times
- Thursday 24 September 2026: 10.30am – schools and general public
- Friday 25 September 2026: 10.30am – schools and general public
- Friday 25 September 2026: 1.30pm – schools and general public
- Saturday 26 September 2026: 4pm Sunset Performance – general public
- Sunday 27 September 2026: 2.30pm – general public
- Monday King’s Birthday public holiday 28 September 2026: 2.30pm – general public
