Dreadful Knowledge: Oedipus Tyrannos, The Plague of Athens, and COVID-19 By Sarah Gawlik Oedipus is not special. Killing one’s father and marrying one’s mother is not uncommon in Greek myth. In fact, the entire cycle of Greek myth is founded upon patricide. Ouranos was killed by his son Kronos, who in turn was killed by his own son Zeus, establishing the Greek Pantheon of gods and goddesses as we know it. Moreover, the early pantheon has its roots in incest. The family tree is twisted from its very beginnings: Ouranos fathered the Titans with Gaia, his own mother; later, Zeus would marry Hera, who is technically his own sister. Despite the precedented nature of patricide and incest, they are overwhelmingly the focus of critical readings of Oedipus Tyrranos, perhaps inspired by Freud’s intervention. I would like to draw attention to Oedipus Tyrranos for a different reason: the plague in Thebes that serves as the backdrop for much of its action and that reflects the historical Plague of Athens rampant at the time of its first staging. As I will show, the physiological and epistemological strain undergone by characters in Oedipus Tyrannos also have profound resonances in the era of COVID-19. My approach is distinct, however, from that of Bryan Doerries and Theater of War’s 2020 Zoom staging of Oedipus The King starring notable actors Oscar Isaac and Frances McDormand, among others. Undoubtedly, Theater of War has brought ancient Greek theater into conversation with contemporary social and political challenges, opening dialogue and holding space to explore complexities. As will become clear, this goal is very reminiscent of the role played by theater in Athens. But for Doerries, “Oedipus the King is a timeless story about leadership, accountability, and the challenges faced by citizens and elected officials during pandemics and plagues.” I do not deny that the play is a powerful allegory with lessons for those in positions of political power. Certainly, Oedipus’ character and arc sustain such application, but I am primarily 41
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