The Death of Oedipus, a chamber opera by Martin Halpern, will be given a fully staged production at the Loft Theatre in the Davenport Theatre complex, 354 West 45^thStreet in Manhattan, on October 25, 26 and 27 at 8 PM.

Freely based on Sophocles’ last play, Oedipus at Colonus, the operadramatizes the final redemption of the former king of Thebes who many years earlier had unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, and on learning this had put out his eyes in punishment. Since then, tended to by his daughter Antigone, he has wandered all over Greece in search of a place where his death and burial may bring a blessing on its inhabitants. That place turns out to be Colonus, just outside of Athens. When an officer from Thebes attempts to have him taken back there. he is rebuffed by the two citizens of Colonus who represent the populace of the city. Finally, accompanied by Antigone, Oedipus goes to his last rest in the sacred grove of the Eumenides.

Featured in the cast are baritone Jim Trainor as Oedipus, soprano Emily Stokes as Antigone, tenor Aram Tchobanian as the First Citizen, baritone Joseph Mace as the Second Citizen, and tenor Joseph Peterson as the Theban officer. The pianist is Raisa Kagramanova, stage director is Jamibeth Margolis, stage manager is John Hooper, costumer is Anna Cole, and music direction is by the composer.  

Admission, at $20, is available at the door. For reservations email marhalp2@gmail. com. Tickets are also available, at reduced rates, through  TDF.