Free Oedipus Rex: A Modern Version Of The Classic Play Essay Example

The play that was chosen is Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. The original play has a variety of themes, but the primary theme that would be used in the modernized version would be the power of fate. Throughout the play Sophocles uses the power of fate and how one is not able to alter his or her given fate. The modernized version of the play would take place during the industrial revolution. There are many who are fascinated with the industrial revolution and the 1920s, which would make the play enticing to many individuals.
The modernized version of Oedipus Rex would take place in New York City. New York City has a variety of architecture that would add character to the play. New York City is well-known for its abundance of skyscrapers, which include designs such as Art Deco, gothic style and many others. The Art Deco style skyscrapers were being constructed during this time. The city also has well-defined residential areas, which include Tudor Revival. New York City was seen as a contemporary city in the 1920s that had electricity and was where many individuals came to make their fortunes.
The time of the play would be in the 1920s, which was known as the Roaring Twenties. During this era, the United States was flourishing with opportunities and wealth. The 1920s was also an era when major tycoons, such as Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Ford were building their empires. Oedipus Rex became king during the original play after he saved Thebes, and the modernized version would have Oedipus Rex take over a lucrative industry and become an industrial tycoon, which is similar to a king. The 1920s was the era when major industrial tycoons were viewed as American royalty because they encompassed wealth and power. In the original play, there were royalty and common people, which is similar to New York City in the 1920s. There were the wealthy who were afforded luxurious items and the common people who had to work construction or factory jobs. The separation of the classes during this time would relate to the difference of classes in the original play.
The fashion that was popular in the 1920s is a major factor in why the play would take place in this era. The 1920s was an era when fashion was booming and clothing was much different than it was in the past. The wealthy were able to indulge on clothing and jewelry that made this era different from others. The actors and actresses would wear fashionable, expensive clothing. The attire in the 1920s is unique. Jocasta and her daughters would be seen in stylish Art Deco inspired dresses and luxurious costume jewelry. The males in the play, such as Oedipus Rex and Creon, would be seen in expensive suits.
The contemporary actors that would be cast in the play would include Henry Cavill as Oedipus Rex. As Jocasta, the role would be cast to Catherine Zeta-Jones. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Henry Cavill have a regal look, which would emphasize their characters in the play. The children of Oedipus Rex and Jocasta would include Emma Watson as Antigone and Kit Harrington, from Game of Thrones, as Polynices. The role of Creon would be cast to Tom Hardy and Haemon would be Liam Hemsworth. The role of Laius would be played by Viggo Mortensen.
The actors that were chosen for the modernized version of the play, the setting, and the era would make Oedipus Rex stimulating for individuals to watch, but they would still be able to relate to the original version of the play. New York City in the 1920s was filled with new architecture, fashion, and art, which would spark peoples’ interest in the storyline due to the stimulating surroundings of the modernized version of the play.

Works Cited

Sophocles. Oedipus Rex the King. Stilwell. KS: Digireads.com Publishing. 2005. 15 April 2015.