Costume Design - Oedipus

Tiresias: Blue represents calm and stability. Tiresias would b dressed in blue because he is a seer, someone who can prophesize and guide people though his revelations. his words seem to be the only words that everyone had trusted up until he revealed the truth to Oedipus, whose own hard headedness got in the way. His words provide stability because they are trusted, so people can hold onto them.

Creon: Purple is the color of royalty used time and time again in literature. Creon would be wearing purple because 1) he is the brother of the queen, and third in line for the throne, and 2) will be next king (foreshadowing his rise to power).

Jocasta: Gray is a color that symbolizes maturity and sorrow. This color is perfect for Jocasta because the revelation only brings sorrow into her life, sorrow so unbearable that she winds up taking her own life. Maturity also plays a role because she seems to keep Oedpius calm and helps him see the bigger picture, dispelling his doubts for as long as possible.

Oedipus: Black is a color that represents death, so it would only be fitting that Oedipus wore black. His life began with a prophecy that concluded he would cause death to those closest to him. He wound up killing his own father, and causing harm to those around him. The truth of his life ultimately also caused the suicide of Jocasta, who could not live with her guilt.

Shepard: Green because green is seen as the color of nature and a healing color. The shepherd would be wearing this color because the revelation he gives (where he finally has Oedipus realize the truth of his birth and life) finally “sets things straight”, and heals the disarray and confusion. He also lives out in the fields, so he works with nature.

Messenger: Orange represents balance and enthusiasm. This color is perfect for the messenger because at first he comes thinking his bringing good news: that Oedipus will be the king of Corinth. He, however, does just the opposite.

Jocasta's Diary

Dearest Diary,

My heart feels as though it is truly breaking within my chest. I feel as though I am withering away.  The state of Thebes is appalling – stillborns, mothers dying, no crops.. how can I survive when the pain in my chest is overflowing. It serves as a reminder to my past, as well; every mother who loses a child reminds me of my own loss of my ill-fated baby.

And oh, how can I dispel the words by old Tiresias and the Prophets? I told Oedipus "so much for prophecy, it's neither here nor there. From this day on, I wouldn't look left or right." (948-949). Although their words pain me (how can my dearest husband be at fault for such a horrid thing), they have always been revered and admired. Laius, rest his soul, trusted Tiresias with his entire being… should I dishonor him in such a way, by not trusting Tiresias as well? His words pain me. I feel however, that I would be doing a disservice to my people and my own conscience if I completely dispel what he is saying, without even considering it.

My brother is another sore spot. Being accused by my own husband of attempted assassination? My dear Creon would never. I must talk sense into Oedipus, and urge him to spare Creon and listen to him, if it’s the last thing I do. I pleaded with him, saying "...honor the solemn oath he swears to heaven. do it for me, for the sake of all your people." (722-724)

What this all boils down to, however, is the fear that this may all be true. My husband’s temper and reluctance to even listen to what others are saying point to something deeper.. maybe he fears it may be true as well. Although i urged him to "free yourself (Oedipus) to free himself of every charge" (789), all the pieces of the puzzle seem to fit… the three roads converging.. the prophecy’s timing…Oedpius might be the downfall of us all. I think he may be.