The TLS Podcast Hubris and Nemesis
Feb 20, 2025
Edith Hall, a Professor of Classics at Durham University and expert on Greek tragedy, is captivated by Sophocles' works and offers critiques of modern adaptations of 'Oedipus.' Barnaby Phillips, a writer specializing in colonial history, discusses the absurdities of King Leopold's 19th-century expedition to the Congo, which aimed to exploit trained elephants. Their conversation dives into the complexities of interpreting ancient texts and the dark legacy of colonial ambitions, exposing the moral implications of such historical narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Oedipus at the Old Vic
- Edith Hall saw Oedipus at the Old Vic, featuring Rami Malek and Indira Varma.
- The production used Hophesh Schechter's dance company for choral episodes, creating a powerful but disjointed experience.
Disjointed Chorus
- The chorus in Oedipus was physically and conceptually separated from the main action.
- This lack of integration, a departure from Sophocles' original intent, diminished the play's cohesion.
Lack of Cohesion
- The production aimed for strong acting and visuals but lacked a cohesive aesthetic vision.
- The script was deemed clunky, failing to convey the intellectual and political depth of Sophocles' work.
