Sophocles’ Oedipus the King remains one of the greatest tragedies ever written, a story of fate, blindness, and self-discovery. In this 2006 audio production by L.A. Theatre Works, the ancient drama is given a new voice through a translation by Nicholas Rudall, and the result is a performance that feels both timeless and immediate.
At the center is Harry J. Lennix as Oedipus. His performance is commanding and layered, you hear both the authority of a king determined to save his people, and the gradual unraveling of a man trapped in destiny. Lennix’s voice carries the pride, rage, and despair that make Oedipus one of theatre’s most enduring figures.
Carolyn Seymour gives Jocasta a strength and dignity that makes her final moments especially heartbreaking, while Gregory Itzin as Creon provides a cool, political counterweight to Oedipus’s passion. W. Morgan Sheppard is memorable as the blind prophet Teiresias, his voice steeped in authority and foreboding.
The supporting cast, including Spencer Garrett, Francis Guinan, Charles Kimbrough, and Rod McLachlan, bring texture to the chorus and messengers, ensuring that the production never feels static.
Rudall’s translation is clear and direct, stripping away stiffness and giving the language a natural rhythm for modern ears. Combined with L.A. Theatre Works’ trademark sound design, subtle but atmospheric, the experience is gripping, even without visuals.
What stands out is how alive the play feels. Rather than a distant museum piece, this production reminds us why Oedipus the King has haunted audiences for over two thousand years. It’s not just a story of a man who discovers the truth too late, it’s about the human struggle to escape fate, and the devastating cost of self-knowledge.
For anyone curious about Greek tragedy, or for longtime admirers of Sophocles, this audiobook is a powerful, resonant experience.