Oedipus the King

De: Sophocles

Narrado por: Michael Sheen, full cast

In the hands of Sophocles, the master dramatist, the anguished tale of a man fated to kill his father and marry his mother retains its power to shock and move beyond any Freudian reference. In this new translation, performed by an outstanding cast led by Michael Sheen, the searing inevitability facing Oedipus proves as shocking as it was 2,500 years ago when it was first presented in the theatre at Athens. Translated by Duncan Steen.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1999 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1999 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

True classic

Well read. Inimitable tragedy. Some voices could be better amplified.

Compelling performance

I use this performance to get my students comfortable with ancient Greek tragedy. By the end, they are enthralled.

Oedipus The King

Well read, great ambient noise. Sets the mood well.

different from book version

Good, but different wording than the version I'm reading (the "enriched" edition with a red cover and a Macaulay Caulkin horror face.)

Outstanding audiobook

This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I was enthralled for the duration. The translation was modern but appropriate and expressive, and the performances were very well done. Listening to the play as performed by these fine actors brought a life to it that simply reading it never did. I will agree with one reviewer who said "some voices could be better amplified"; the voice of Tiresias was too quiet so I had to turn it up until Oedipus was practically yelling. That's my only negative; other than that small complaint, this was perfect. Please make more!

Easier to hear than to read

I was required to read Oedipus Rex for my humanities class but found it difficult to understand as I was reading it. I found this particular audiobook (with Michael Sheen) very helpful. Although the words spoken were not verbatim to the book I have, the music was helpful for me to follow along in the book. The actors articulated very well using modern-day English. Overall, I give it 5 stars!

absolutely awesome

I was caught off guard by this production, with its multiple parts and chorus, after listening to so many books in single voice. The translation is contemporary, and may come as a surprise, if you're expecting a classic production of a classic tragedy. You'll know you're listening to a tragedy. It is heart-wrenching without ever being maudlin. Highly recommended.

Agree it crackles with fire!

So riveting I had to hit pause several times to process all of the emotion of the realizations . The actors are commanding and bring the characters in full view.
The chorus is hard to follow but if you read the cliff notes first you can appreciate the Greek forum and it won’t matter. Please enjoy , highly recommended

Crackles with Fire

This is a mesmerizing production. The actors are clearly understood and they pull you into the action by their enthusiastic and precise performance. A nice soundtrack adds to the atmosphere. One of the great works of western man...beautifully presented. Highly recommended.

interesting!!!

Easier for me to listen, than actual literature! I get the meaning and can understand what's really happening!!!