Oedipus Rex Readers Theater Script | Classical Dramas | Greek Tragedy

This Oedipus Rex: Curse of the King Readers’ Theater Script invites students to explore a profound Greek tragedy of fate, truth, and pride in 5th-century BCE Thebes. Through dynamic performances, students follow King Oedipus’ quest to save his city from a plague by finding Laius’ murderer, only to uncover his own cursed identity, grappling with Jocasta’s desperate denial, Tiresias’ prophetic truth, and the Chorus’ reflections on destiny.

The script captures iconic moments—Oedipus’ vow to “hunt the killer,” Tiresias’ chilling “the murderer is you,” Oedipus’ self-blinding cry, “let darkness take me”—while adapting Sophocles’ language for high school fluency and engagement.

Characters like Creon, the Shepherd, and Citizens offer tiered roles (high, medium, low complexity) to support mixed-ability classrooms, ensuring all students shine.

Perfect For

• End-of-Year Performance
• Engaging Follow-Up to Reading Sophocles’ Original
• Emergency Substitute Plans
• Dramatic Performance Piece

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

What’s Included

• 14-scene script (~2550 words, 9 pages, 18 characters, Google Doc)
• Teacher guide with CCSS alignment, answer keys, rubric, lexical levels character breakdown, discussion themes (12 pages, Google Doc)
• Student worksheet with vocabulary, questions, discussion (25 Google Slides)
• 20-question multiple-choice exit quiz (Self-Graded Google Forms)

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Skills Addressed

• Reading fluency and comprehension
• Literary analysis (themes, symbolism, dramatic structure)
• Collaborative performance and discussion
• Critical thinking and real-world application
• Vocabulary development and textual evidence

Worksheet Components

• Vocabulary: 10 terms (e.g., “fate,” “oracle”) with script quotes.
• Short-Answer: Basics like “What does the shepherd confirm?”
• Discussion Questions: Themes like fate, truth, pride vs. humility.
• Challenge Questions: Analysis like “How does the truth motif develop tragedy?”
• Application Questions: Scenarios like “How can Oedipus’ vow guide pursuing honesty?”
• Exit Quiz (Google Forms Self-Graded): Tests narrative recall and literary analysis (e.g., dramatic irony).

Teaching Tips

Assign roles using the casting breakdown to match student reading levels (e.g., Oedipus for advanced, Attendant for struggling). Rehearse scenes in small groups, using the rubric to assess fluency and expression. Integrate SEL by discussing truth versus denial or the cost of pride, connecting to student experiences. Administer the quiz post-performance to evaluate comprehension and analysis.

Script Summary

• Scene 1: Thebes’ Plague: Oedipus hears Thebes’ plea; Creon reports Apollo’s demand to find Laius’ killer.
• Scene 2: The King’s Vow: Oedipus vows to uncover the murderer, cursing the guilty, summoning Tiresias.
• Scene 3: Tiresias’ Truth: Tiresias names Oedipus as the killer, sparking his furious denial.
• Scene 4: Creon’s Defense: Oedipus accuses Creon of treason; Jocasta urges calm, but suspicion grows.
• Scene 5: Jocasta’s Comfort: Jocasta dismisses prophecies, but her crossroads tale alarms Oedipus.
• Scene 6: Chorus of Doubt: The Chorus fears Oedipus’ quest leads to ruin, sensing fate’s hand.
• Scene 7: The Corinthian Messenger: A messenger reveals Oedipus’ adoption, unraveling his identity.
• Scene 8: The Shepherd’s Tale: The shepherd confirms Oedipus as Laius and Jocasta’s son, fulfilling the oracle.
• Scene 9: Jocasta’s Fate: Oedipus finds Jocasta dead; he blinds himself, cursing his truth.
• Scene 10: Creon’s Judgment: Creon banishes Oedipus, pitying him but enforcing Apollo’s will.
• Scene 11: Daughters’ Farewell: Oedipus bids farewell to Antigone and Ismene, entrusting them to Creon.
• Scene 12: Oedipus’ Exile: Oedipus accepts exile, reflecting on his fall as Thebes heals.
• Scene 13: Chorus of Wisdom: The Chorus teaches humility, honoring Oedipus’ sacrifice.
• Scene 14: Thebes’ Renewal: Creon leads a healed Thebes, vowing wisdom, as Oedipus’ truth endures.

Still on the fence?

Download this similar but 100% Free Romeo and Juliet Script to make sure this will meet your needs.