New College Classical Drama Society Greek Play
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus
Saturday 7 June 2025
This year’s play, Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus, is perhaps the most famous of all the plays to come down to us from 5th century Athens and recounts the famous story of Oedipus’ realisation of his origins and his subsequent downfall. A classic from its first performance in the 420s B.C., the play has influenced countless writers and dramatists, ranging from Aristotle all the way to Sigmund Freud. This year’s production in the New College cloisters looks to bring this high-water mark of ancient drama to a new audience and to continue the legacy set up by David Raeburn.
Timings
6.45pm-7.45pm: drinks and buffet supper in the Warden’s Garden
7.45pm: unveiling of a plaque in memory of David Raeburn
8.15pm-9:45pm: Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus in the New College Cloisters.
David Raeburn was the Rodewald Lector in Classical Languages at New College from 2001-2015. He was also the director of numerous New College Greek plays, having translated many of the Greek classics for his Penguin series.
