Yusuf Kobaladze’s Oedipus

Abstract

Development of the Greek and Georgian culture of the ancient era is closely related to each other, as evidenced by the thousands of artefacts, toponyms, travelers’ records, mythological, philosophical and literary texts found as a result of archaeological excavations. In "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles, Shulta addresses the Thebes, “Neither Astros, nor the furious waves of Phasis can kill the evil that has been done voluntarily”.

The interest of the Georgians in ancient Greek civilization has not waned to this day. In the Middle Ages, Georgia, surrounded by the arc of the East, loses contact with the West. From the 18^th century, the Georgian people's ties with Western Europe strengthened. This is connected with the interest in ancient Greek drama.

From the beginning of the 20th century Greek tragedies appeared in the repertoire of Georgian theatre, Sophocles' drama was especially popular, and “Oedipus the King” became a landmark performance of many Georgian theatres.

“Oedipus the King” by Sophocles was staged at the Batumi Drama Theatre in the 1940s. The play was staged by Archil Chkhartishvili and Shalva Inasaridze, with the legendary Georgian actor Yusuf Kobaladze playing the role of Oedipus. This Batumi theatre production was considered the greatest success not only of Batumi, but also of Georgian theatre.