Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role did Tiye hold after the death of her husband?
What role did Tiye hold after the death of her husband?
- Dancer in The Choir
- Queen alongside Akhenaten (correct)
- Pharaoh (correct)
- Regent for her grandson
Nefertiti was known for her lack of influence in the royal family.
Nefertiti was known for her lack of influence in the royal family.
False (B)
What was Akhenaten known for breaking with during his reign?
What was Akhenaten known for breaking with during his reign?
Traditional religion
Akhenaten's city, designed under his reign, is called ________.
Akhenaten's city, designed under his reign, is called ________.
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
Which title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of understanding?
Which title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of understanding?
Laios, the father in Oedipus, is depicted as a nurturing figure.
Laios, the father in Oedipus, is depicted as a nurturing figure.
What symbolizes life in the context provided?
What symbolizes life in the context provided?
Jokasta is torn between her love for her husband and her _____ for her child.
Jokasta is torn between her love for her husband and her _____ for her child.
Match each character in Oedipus with their role dynamics:
Match each character in Oedipus with their role dynamics:
What piece of imagery is used in the staging of the performance?
What piece of imagery is used in the staging of the performance?
Oedipus seeks to avoid his destiny by staying where he is born.
Oedipus seeks to avoid his destiny by staying where he is born.
How does Jokasta react to the fate of her son?
How does Jokasta react to the fate of her son?
The performance setting includes a spiraled maze of _____ that duplicates reality.
The performance setting includes a spiraled maze of _____ that duplicates reality.
What aspect of violence is highlighted through the characters' relationships?
What aspect of violence is highlighted through the characters' relationships?
What is a common theme observed in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
What is a common theme observed in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
Akhenaten's actions included attempts to erase his father's name from history.
Akhenaten's actions included attempts to erase his father's name from history.
What was one consequence of the societal pattern of fathers being violent against their sons?
What was one consequence of the societal pattern of fathers being violent against their sons?
In Christianity, the figure of ________ ordered the killing of all infants out of fear of losing power.
In Christianity, the figure of ________ ordered the killing of all infants out of fear of losing power.
Match the scenarios with their related themes of violence:
Match the scenarios with their related themes of violence:
Which of the following illustrates a parental influence on violence within society?
Which of the following illustrates a parental influence on violence within society?
The narrative suggests that war is an effective means of solving problems.
The narrative suggests that war is an effective means of solving problems.
How does the story of Oedipus reflect the historical context of violence among families?
How does the story of Oedipus reflect the historical context of violence among families?
What does the term 'xvaetvadatha' refer to in Persian culture?
What does the term 'xvaetvadatha' refer to in Persian culture?
Akhenaten encouraged the practice of human sacrifices and warfare during his reign.
Akhenaten encouraged the practice of human sacrifices and warfare during his reign.
What is the significance of Akhenaten's name change?
What is the significance of Akhenaten's name change?
Akhenaten's most famous hymn is known as __________.
Akhenaten's most famous hymn is known as __________.
Match Akhenaten's characteristics with their descriptions:
Match Akhenaten's characteristics with their descriptions:
What condition is believed to have affected Akhenaten's physique?
What condition is believed to have affected Akhenaten's physique?
Akhenaten ruled out the notion of a strong family unit.
Akhenaten ruled out the notion of a strong family unit.
Which Egyptian city did Akhenaten establish?
Which Egyptian city did Akhenaten establish?
Akhenaten's daughter, born from an incestuous union, was named __________.
Akhenaten's daughter, born from an incestuous union, was named __________.
How did Akhenaten's approach to violence differ from his predecessors?
How did Akhenaten's approach to violence differ from his predecessors?
What is one of the key themes presented in the story of Oedipus?
What is one of the key themes presented in the story of Oedipus?
In the story of Akhenaten, he actively engages in wars and hunting.
In the story of Akhenaten, he actively engages in wars and hunting.
What kind of environment does Akhenaten lead in his reign?
What kind of environment does Akhenaten lead in his reign?
The role of __________ in the story of Oedipus highlights how women can become accomplices to violence.
The role of __________ in the story of Oedipus highlights how women can become accomplices to violence.
Match the following figures or concepts with their associated characteristics:
Match the following figures or concepts with their associated characteristics:
What was Akhenaten known for innovating during his reign?
What was Akhenaten known for innovating during his reign?
The downfall of Akhenaten's city was caused by his violent actions.
The downfall of Akhenaten's city was caused by his violent actions.
How does the story illustrate the cultural impact of matriarchy on the role of women?
How does the story illustrate the cultural impact of matriarchy on the role of women?
The Great Hymn to the Aten describes the Aten as the __________ of life.
The Great Hymn to the Aten describes the Aten as the __________ of life.
What ultimately leads to self-destruction in Oedipus's story?
What ultimately leads to self-destruction in Oedipus's story?
What unique woodwind instrument did Marshall invent?
What unique woodwind instrument did Marshall invent?
Marshall Allen assumed leadership of the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1995.
Marshall Allen assumed leadership of the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1995.
Name the popular West African multi-stringed instrument that Marshall Allen builds and plays.
Name the popular West African multi-stringed instrument that Marshall Allen builds and plays.
Marshall Allen has been instrumental in preserving Sun Ra's music, memorabilia, and __________.
Marshall Allen has been instrumental in preserving Sun Ra's music, memorabilia, and __________.
Match the following musicians with their contributions or collaborations with Marshall Allen:
Match the following musicians with their contributions or collaborations with Marshall Allen:
What does Akhenaten's name mean?
What does Akhenaten's name mean?
Akhenaten encouraged human sacrifices and warfare during his reign.
Akhenaten encouraged human sacrifices and warfare during his reign.
Name one of Akhenaten's wives.
Name one of Akhenaten's wives.
Akhenaten had a notably _________ physique, which included an overhanging belly.
Akhenaten had a notably _________ physique, which included an overhanging belly.
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
What is significant about Akhenaten’s city, Akhetaten?
What is significant about Akhenaten’s city, Akhetaten?
Akhenaten's reform was influenced by ethical views of violence and oppression.
Akhenaten's reform was influenced by ethical views of violence and oppression.
What condition was Akhenaten believed to suffer from?
What condition was Akhenaten believed to suffer from?
What title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of understanding?
What title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of understanding?
Laios, the father in Oedipus, is portrayed as a nurturing figure.
Laios, the father in Oedipus, is portrayed as a nurturing figure.
What symbolizes life in the context provided?
What symbolizes life in the context provided?
Jokasta is torn between her love for her husband and her _____ for her child.
Jokasta is torn between her love for her husband and her _____ for her child.
Match each character in Oedipus with their main traits:
Match each character in Oedipus with their main traits:
What does the setting of the performance create for the characters involved?
What does the setting of the performance create for the characters involved?
Oedipus seeks to avoid his destiny by leaving the territory where he is born.
Oedipus seeks to avoid his destiny by leaving the territory where he is born.
What leads to Jokasta's eventual acceptance of her son's fate?
What leads to Jokasta's eventual acceptance of her son's fate?
The performance setting includes a spiraled maze of _____ that duplicates reality.
The performance setting includes a spiraled maze of _____ that duplicates reality.
Match the following character dynamics to their descriptions:
Match the following character dynamics to their descriptions:
What is a major theme shared between the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
What is a major theme shared between the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
Akhenaten attempted to erase his father's name from history due to a desire for peace.
Akhenaten attempted to erase his father's name from history due to a desire for peace.
What ultimately happened to Oedipus at the end of his story?
What ultimately happened to Oedipus at the end of his story?
In the story of Oedipus, the character Laios orders the feet of his son to be pierced and to be __________.
In the story of Oedipus, the character Laios orders the feet of his son to be pierced and to be __________.
Match the following characters with their actions:
Match the following characters with their actions:
What common factor leads to violence as depicted in the narratives?
What common factor leads to violence as depicted in the narratives?
The narratives imply that the older generation is responsible for nurturing the younger generation.
The narratives imply that the older generation is responsible for nurturing the younger generation.
What does the Christian God demand from his son, similar to the themes represented in the stories mentioned?
What does the Christian God demand from his son, similar to the themes represented in the stories mentioned?
War is described as one of the most devastating __________ known to humanity.
War is described as one of the most devastating __________ known to humanity.
Which of the following illustrates a common fear among fathers in these narratives?
Which of the following illustrates a common fear among fathers in these narratives?
Which of the following statements accurately describes Akhenaten's character?
Which of the following statements accurately describes Akhenaten's character?
Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten, was known for her passive role in the hierarchy of the royal family.
Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten, was known for her passive role in the hierarchy of the royal family.
What does the full name of Nefertiti, NEFERNEFERUATEN-NEFERTITI, mean?
What does the full name of Nefertiti, NEFERNEFERUATEN-NEFERTITI, mean?
Akhenaten broke with traditional religion and proclaimed ________ as the one and only God.
Akhenaten broke with traditional religion and proclaimed ________ as the one and only God.
Match the following figures with their roles in Akhenaten's life:
Match the following figures with their roles in Akhenaten's life:
What central theme is reflected in both the stories of Akhenaten and Oedipus?
What central theme is reflected in both the stories of Akhenaten and Oedipus?
Sun Ra claimed to be from Earth and rejected any connection to celestial beings.
Sun Ra claimed to be from Earth and rejected any connection to celestial beings.
Under Akhenaten's reign, Egypt ________ and prospered.
Under Akhenaten's reign, Egypt ________ and prospered.
What did Akhenaten's reign symbolize in terms of religious changes?
What did Akhenaten's reign symbolize in terms of religious changes?
What is the significance of the SUN RA ARKESTRA in the context of the performances?
What is the significance of the SUN RA ARKESTRA in the context of the performances?
Which instrument did Marshall Allen invent?
Which instrument did Marshall Allen invent?
Marshall Allen was a jazz musician known for playing only traditional Western music.
Marshall Allen was a jazz musician known for playing only traditional Western music.
In what year did Marshall Allen take over leadership of the Sun Ra Arkestra?
In what year did Marshall Allen take over leadership of the Sun Ra Arkestra?
Marshall Allen has been a major factor in the introduction of the _____ to American audiences.
Marshall Allen has been a major factor in the introduction of the _____ to American audiences.
Match the following musicians with their contributions involving Marshall Allen:
Match the following musicians with their contributions involving Marshall Allen:
What does the term 'xvaetvadatha' signify in Persian culture?
What does the term 'xvaetvadatha' signify in Persian culture?
Akhenaten was known for his military conquests and hunting practices.
Akhenaten was known for his military conquests and hunting practices.
What was Akhenaten's belief that led him to change his name?
What was Akhenaten's belief that led him to change his name?
Akhenaten's city, located on the east bank of the Nile, is known as __________.
Akhenaten's city, located on the east bank of the Nile, is known as __________.
Match Akhenaten's familial relationships with their names:
Match Akhenaten's familial relationships with their names:
Which artistic style characterized the depictions of Akhenaten and his family?
Which artistic style characterized the depictions of Akhenaten and his family?
Akhenaten allowed for human sacrifices during his reign.
Akhenaten allowed for human sacrifices during his reign.
The Great Hymn to the Aten expresses Akhenaten's devotion to the __________.
The Great Hymn to the Aten expresses Akhenaten's devotion to the __________.
What is described as rising high over every land and embracing them?
What is described as rising high over every land and embracing them?
The rays of the sun are said to be felt only when it is nighttime.
The rays of the sun are said to be felt only when it is nighttime.
What does the sun do when it rises at dawn?
What does the sun do when it rises at dawn?
The sun is referred to as the __________ of daytime.
The sun is referred to as the __________ of daytime.
Match the following actions with their descriptions:
Match the following actions with their descriptions:
Which of the following statements reflects the theme of creation found in the content?
Which of the following statements reflects the theme of creation found in the content?
The sun's rays have no effect on the trees and grass.
The sun's rays have no effect on the trees and grass.
What happens to the 'sleepers' when the sun sets?
What happens to the 'sleepers' when the sun sets?
You give breath to nourish all __________.
You give breath to nourish all __________.
What does the phrase 'You distinguish the peoples' signify?
What does the phrase 'You distinguish the peoples' signify?
What does Jokasta's acceptance of her husband's decisions represent in the story of Oedipus?
What does Jokasta's acceptance of her husband's decisions represent in the story of Oedipus?
Akhenaten is portrayed as a peaceful ruler who encouraged wars and hunting.
Akhenaten is portrayed as a peaceful ruler who encouraged wars and hunting.
What role do women play in Akhenaten's reign?
What role do women play in Akhenaten's reign?
Akhenaten developed a new religion centered around the worship of the __________.
Akhenaten developed a new religion centered around the worship of the __________.
Match each character from the story of Oedipus with their actions:
Match each character from the story of Oedipus with their actions:
Which theme is evident in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
Which theme is evident in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
Akhenaten is blamed for the downfall of his city due to his violent nature.
Akhenaten is blamed for the downfall of his city due to his violent nature.
Describe the consequence of the cycle of violence depicted in Oedipus's story.
Describe the consequence of the cycle of violence depicted in Oedipus's story.
The Great Hymn to the Aten glorifies the Aten as the creator of ________.
The Great Hymn to the Aten glorifies the Aten as the creator of ________.
What is the primary depiction of Akhenaten in his society?
What is the primary depiction of Akhenaten in his society?
What does the Great Hymn to the Aten emphasize about the Aten's influence?
What does the Great Hymn to the Aten emphasize about the Aten's influence?
The Aten is described as bringing rivers and sustenance to foreign peoples.
The Aten is described as bringing rivers and sustenance to foreign peoples.
Who is referred to as the 'Son of Re' in the Great Hymn to the Aten?
Who is referred to as the 'Son of Re' in the Great Hymn to the Aten?
The season that cools the fields is known as ________.
The season that cools the fields is known as ________.
Match the following figures with their titles in the hymn:
Match the following figures with their titles in the hymn:
What is one of the primary functions attributed to the Aten?
What is one of the primary functions attributed to the Aten?
Akhenaten was known for promoting a strong family unit during his reign.
Akhenaten was known for promoting a strong family unit during his reign.
What does the hymn suggest about the Aten's presence when it sets?
What does the hymn suggest about the Aten's presence when it sets?
The rays of the Aten are said to ________ all fields.
The rays of the Aten are said to ________ all fields.
Which phrase best describes how the Aten is perceived in relation to creation?
Which phrase best describes how the Aten is perceived in relation to creation?
Which instrument is NOT played by Marshall Allen?
Which instrument is NOT played by Marshall Allen?
Marshall Allen has collaborated in exhibitions and concerts at a venue called LO SPAZIO.
Marshall Allen has collaborated in exhibitions and concerts at a venue called LO SPAZIO.
What festival started in 1999 that involves various artistic works?
What festival started in 1999 that involves various artistic works?
Marshall Allen has been involved in __________ music for cosmic life.
Marshall Allen has been involved in __________ music for cosmic life.
Match the following instruments with their classifications:
Match the following instruments with their classifications:
What does the Ankh symbolize in the provided context?
What does the Ankh symbolize in the provided context?
Jokasta is depicted as a figure who actively protects her son.
Jokasta is depicted as a figure who actively protects her son.
What title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of truth?
What title did the individual give himself that emphasizes his pursuit of truth?
The father in the Oedipus story, Laios, is depicted as a _____ engaged in warfare and loves hunting.
The father in the Oedipus story, Laios, is depicted as a _____ engaged in warfare and loves hunting.
Match the characters from Oedipus with their key traits:
Match the characters from Oedipus with their key traits:
In the staging concept, what do the long strips of reflecting foil represent?
In the staging concept, what do the long strips of reflecting foil represent?
Oedipus tries to embrace the Oracle's prophecy by leaving his homeland.
Oedipus tries to embrace the Oracle's prophecy by leaving his homeland.
What does the dynamic triad of father-mother-son represent in the performance of Oedipus?
What does the dynamic triad of father-mother-son represent in the performance of Oedipus?
What was the fate of Oedipus after discovering the truth about his actions?
What was the fate of Oedipus after discovering the truth about his actions?
Antigone buried her brother Eteokles despite the threat to her life.
Antigone buried her brother Eteokles despite the threat to her life.
Who were the children of Oedipus and Jocasta?
Who were the children of Oedipus and Jocasta?
Akhenaten was known for establishing a new form of worship dedicated to the ________.
Akhenaten was known for establishing a new form of worship dedicated to the ________.
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
Match the following figures with their descriptions:
What significant action did Oedipus take at the end of the narrative?
What significant action did Oedipus take at the end of the narrative?
Akhenaten ruled during the 19th dynasty of Egypt.
Akhenaten ruled during the 19th dynasty of Egypt.
What was the primary reason for the plague in Oedipus's city?
What was the primary reason for the plague in Oedipus's city?
Oedipus's journey ultimately leads to his ________ and self-discovery.
Oedipus's journey ultimately leads to his ________ and self-discovery.
Who was Akhenaten's mother?
Who was Akhenaten's mother?
What is the primary role of the Sun Ra Arkestra in the performance discussed?
What is the primary role of the Sun Ra Arkestra in the performance discussed?
Akhenaten was known for his involvement in numerous wars during his reign.
Akhenaten was known for his involvement in numerous wars during his reign.
What name did Nefertiti hold that means 'Beautiful is the Aten'?
What name did Nefertiti hold that means 'Beautiful is the Aten'?
Akhenaten designed his own city called ________.
Akhenaten designed his own city called ________.
Match the following figures with their characteristics:
Match the following figures with their characteristics:
Which of the following describes Akhenaten's approach to family during his reign?
Which of the following describes Akhenaten's approach to family during his reign?
Sun Ra's music had no relevance to ancient Egyptian culture.
Sun Ra's music had no relevance to ancient Egyptian culture.
What was a notable aspect of Nefertiti's legacy related to her children?
What was a notable aspect of Nefertiti's legacy related to her children?
The phrase 'he who lives in truth' refers to Akhenaten, whose name translates to ________.
The phrase 'he who lives in truth' refers to Akhenaten, whose name translates to ________.
What is a key theme observed in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
What is a key theme observed in both the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
What did the Aten create for the people of Egypt?
What did the Aten create for the people of Egypt?
The Aten is associated with only winter and is described as a cold entity.
The Aten is associated with only winter and is described as a cold entity.
Who is referred to as the 'Son of Re' in the text?
Who is referred to as the 'Son of Re' in the text?
The great Queen whom Akhenaten loves is Nefer-neferu-Aten __________.
The great Queen whom Akhenaten loves is Nefer-neferu-Aten __________.
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
What happens to living beings when the Aten sets?
What happens to living beings when the Aten sets?
The hymn describes the Aten as both a distant and near entity.
The hymn describes the Aten as both a distant and near entity.
What do the rays of the Aten symbolize for the fields?
What do the rays of the Aten symbolize for the fields?
The Great Hymn to the Aten describes the Aten as the __________ of living beings.
The Great Hymn to the Aten describes the Aten as the __________ of living beings.
What is the primary role of the Aten in the hymn?
What is the primary role of the Aten in the hymn?
Which of the following instruments is NOT played by Marshall Allen?
Which of the following instruments is NOT played by Marshall Allen?
The UNCOOL Festival started in 2000.
The UNCOOL Festival started in 2000.
What is the name of the small venue for arts and music opened by Cornelia Müller?
What is the name of the small venue for arts and music opened by Cornelia Müller?
Marshall Allen is associated with the group known as __________.
Marshall Allen is associated with the group known as __________.
Match the following projects or events with their descriptions:
Match the following projects or events with their descriptions:
What does the Aten do when it rises in the morning?
What does the Aten do when it rises in the morning?
The Aten is described as having equal qualities to other gods.
The Aten is described as having equal qualities to other gods.
What action occurs when a child emerges from the womb?
What action occurs when a child emerges from the womb?
The _______ of daytime is referred to as the Aten.
The _______ of daytime is referred to as the Aten.
Match the following actions with their consequences related to the Aten:
Match the following actions with their consequences related to the Aten:
Which of the following is true about the rays of the Aten?
Which of the following is true about the rays of the Aten?
The Aten is said to have made everything on Earth according to its design.
The Aten is said to have made everything on Earth according to its design.
What signifies the time of day when the Aten sets?
What signifies the time of day when the Aten sets?
The Aten is said to nurse in the _______.
The Aten is said to nurse in the _______.
Match the following creatures with their actions during the Aten's rise:
Match the following creatures with their actions during the Aten's rise:
Who did Oedipus marry?
Who did Oedipus marry?
Oedipus was praised for conquering the Sphinx and became the King of Thebes.
Oedipus was praised for conquering the Sphinx and became the King of Thebes.
What was the consequence of Oedipus discovering he was the murderer of the King?
What was the consequence of Oedipus discovering he was the murderer of the King?
Antigone defied orders to bury her brother ________.
Antigone defied orders to bury her brother ________.
Match the following characters with their actions:
Match the following characters with their actions:
What was one reason behind the plague affecting Thebes?
What was one reason behind the plague affecting Thebes?
Akhenaten was the Pharaoh during the 18th dynasty of Egypt.
Akhenaten was the Pharaoh during the 18th dynasty of Egypt.
What motivated Akhenaten's attempts to erase his father's name from history?
What motivated Akhenaten's attempts to erase his father's name from history?
What does the name 'Akhenaten' mean?
What does the name 'Akhenaten' mean?
Oedipus willingly killed his father in a premeditated act.
Oedipus willingly killed his father in a premeditated act.
What was the consequence for Oedipus at the end of his reign?
What was the consequence for Oedipus at the end of his reign?
The actions of fathers in the stories ultimately reflect a cycle of ________ within societies.
The actions of fathers in the stories ultimately reflect a cycle of ________ within societies.
Match the following figures with their actions or characteristics:
Match the following figures with their actions or characteristics:
Which notion does the narrative challenge regarding parental roles?
Which notion does the narrative challenge regarding parental roles?
Both Oedipus and Akhenaten exhibited peaceful tendencies throughout their reigns.
Both Oedipus and Akhenaten exhibited peaceful tendencies throughout their reigns.
What common theme is observed in the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
What common theme is observed in the stories of Oedipus and Akhenaten?
In Christianity, the figure who ordered the killing of infants was ________.
In Christianity, the figure who ordered the killing of infants was ________.
What does the narrative suggest about war's effects on society?
What does the narrative suggest about war's effects on society?
What instrument did Marshall Allen play in the Army's Special Service Band?
What instrument did Marshall Allen play in the Army's Special Service Band?
Sun Ra's music is described as merely odd and without deeper meaning.
Sun Ra's music is described as merely odd and without deeper meaning.
When did Marshall Allen join the Sun Ra Arkestra?
When did Marshall Allen join the Sun Ra Arkestra?
Marshall Allen grew up in ________, Kentucky.
Marshall Allen grew up in ________, Kentucky.
Match the following musicians with their notable contributions:
Match the following musicians with their notable contributions:
Which of these statements best characterizes the philosophy of Sun Ra?
Which of these statements best characterizes the philosophy of Sun Ra?
Marshall Allen studied at the Paris Conservatory of Music.
Marshall Allen studied at the Paris Conservatory of Music.
What significant role did Marshall Allen play in the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 40 years?
What significant role did Marshall Allen play in the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 40 years?
Marshall Allen enlisted in the Army's 92nd Infantry, famously known as the _________.
Marshall Allen enlisted in the Army's 92nd Infantry, famously known as the _________.
Which of the following instruments did Marshall Allen NOT initially play?
Which of the following instruments did Marshall Allen NOT initially play?
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Study Notes
Oedipus and Akhenaten: A Comparison
- Both Oedipus and Akhenaten were monarchs known for intelligence, wisdom, peacefulness, generosity, and love of arts, literature, and music.
- Both experienced a tragic end: Akhenaten went blind, while Oedipus blinded himself.
- A key difference lies in their relationship with their fathers: Oedipus unintentionally killed his father, while Akhenaten intentionally erased his father from historical records.
Oedipus' Story: Violence and its Cycle
- Laios, Oedipus' father, ordered the infanticide of his son, driven by fear of death and his son's potential threat to his power.
- Jokasta, Oedipus' mother, was complicit in the abandonment of their son, accepting her husband's violent solution.
- This illustrates a pattern of fathers inflicting violence on sons, seen across history and cultures, such as wars and abortions.
- The cycle of violence continues: Laios' initial act leads to his own destruction.
Akhenaten's Story: Peace and Religious Reform
- Akhenaten, unlike Oedipus, wasn't involved in his father's death, but he actively removed his father's legacy.
- He established a new monotheistic religion centering around Aten, the sun god.
- His peaceful reign was characterized by the absence of war and hunting.
- He fostered strong familial bonds within a matriarchal society, working alongside powerful women.
- His idealistic vision of a peaceful world, however, failed to endure after his death; the old traditions resurfaced upon the capital's return to Thebes.
Parallels and Contrasts
- The stories highlight the themes of violence versus non-violence, and the role of women as either accomplices to violence or promoters of life within different societal structures.
- Akhenaten's reign is presented as a utopian ideal, contrasting sharply with the cycle of violence depicted in the Oedipus myth.
- The staging concept utilizes mirrors to reflect the complex duality and cyclical nature of the narratives.
Additional Notes
- The play features a single actor portraying the Oedipus family triad (father, mother, son) and a single actress for the Akhenaten family triad (son, mother, wife).
- The Sun Ra Arkestra's music and dance serve as a commentary throughout the performance.
- Akhenaten's physical characteristics (including a pendulous physique) possibly suggest the condition lipodystrophy. This parallels Oedipus' name's meaning ("swollen foot").
- Akhenaten's Great Hymn to the Aten reveals his deep spirituality and devotion to life.
- Possible parallels are drawn between Akhenaten and Sun Ra based on their origins and affinity for Egyptian culture.
Akhenaten's Life and Reign
- Akhenaten, originally Amenhotep IV, believed himself the son of Aten, the sun god.
- He introduced monotheism, replacing existing gods with Aten, depicted as a solar disk with life-giving rays.
- His religious reforms emphasized love, non-violence, and a strong family structure.
- He was known for his artistic patronage, commissioning lively, almost cartoon-like depictions of his family.
- Akhenaten founded Akhetaten (Tel el-Amarna), a new city built in a few years, showcasing his artistic vision.
- He wrote poetry, including The Great Hymn to the Aten, reflecting his spirituality and devotion to life.
- He rejected hunting, war, executions, and human sacrifice, practices common before his reign.
- He styled himself "he who loves the truth."
- He had a distinctive physique, possibly due to lipodystrophy, a condition affecting fat distribution.
- He married Nefertiti and Kiya, fathering numerous children.
- His marriage to Nefertiti produced four or six children, possibly including Tutankhamun.
- Akhenaten's daughter with a sister was Beketaten.
- Incestuous unions were considered sacred in Persia and possibly in Egypt, unlike Greece.
Oedipus Rex and Akhenaten: A Comparison
- Both Oedipus and Akhenaten are presented as intelligent, wise, peaceful, and loving rulers with artistic interests.
- Oedipus accidentally kills his father, Laios, while Akhenaten actively sought to erase his father, Amenhotep III, from history.
- Both figures suffered a loss of sight: Akhenaten went blind, while Oedipus gouged out his eyes.
- The play Oedipus Rex features a tyrannical father, Laios, who fears his son and attempts to kill him.
- Jocasta, Oedipus's mother, is torn between her husband and son.
- Oedipus's fate is driven by a prophecy he attempts to avoid, highlighting themes of fate and free will.
The Sun Ra Arkestra and the Staging Concept
- A theatrical production compared Oedipus Rex and Akhenaten's stories.
- A single actor portrays the Oedipus triad (father, mother, son) using costumes and masks to differentiate roles.
- A single actress portrays the Akhenaten triad (son, mother, wife).
- The Sun Ra Arkestra serves as the choir for both narratives, using music and dance to comment on the events.
- Marshall Allen, leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, is highlighted for his contributions.
- The staging utilized a double spiral of reflecting foil, creating a disorienting environment.
- The production explored themes of mirroring and self-reflection.
Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra
- Marshall Allen succeeded Sun Ra as leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1995.
- He is a multi-instrumental performer, notably playing the kora and a self-designed woodwind instrument.
- He is known for his contributions to both jazz and world music, having collaborated with a wide variety of artists.
- Allen maintains the Sun Ra residence as a museum, preserving Sun Ra's legacy.
- He continues to compose and arrange for the Arkestra, incorporating both Sun Ra's music and his own works.
Akhenaten's Reign
- Akhenaten, formerly Amenhotep IV, believed himself the son of Aten, the sun god.
- He introduced monotheism, replacing existing gods with Aten, depicted as a solar disk with life-giving rays.
- His religious reforms emphasized love and non-violence.
- He was known for his artistic interests and founded Akhetaten (Tel el-Amarna), a city featuring lively, unique art styles.
- He wrote poems, including The Great Hymn to the Aten, showcasing deep spirituality and devotion to life.
- He rejected hunting, war, executions, and human sacrifice, practices common before his reign.
- Akhenaten's physique is described as having a pendulous belly and thick thighs, possibly due to lipodystrophy.
- He married Tiye, Nefertiti, and Kiya, having children with all three. Incestuous unions were considered holy in Egypt and Persia.
- His reign ended with the capital's return to Thebes, Akhetaten's ruin, and renewed conflict. His death led to a resurgence of old traditions.
The Great Hymn to the Aten
- The hymn depicts Aten's creation and sustaining power.
- It highlights Aten's role in daily life, from sunrise to sunset.
- Aten is praised as the source of life, sustenance, and growth for all creatures.
- The hymn expresses a deep reverence for nature and its beings.
- The hymn details Aten's responsibility for the creation of the Nile River for Egypt.
- It emphasizes Aten's omnipresence and importance to Akhenaten and the people of Egypt.
Comparison of Akhenaten and Oedipus Myths
- Both stories explore the themes of violence and non-violence, but through different contexts.
- Akhenaten's story is presented as a spiritual, peaceful narrative emphasizing a matriarchal society while the Oedipus myth highlights destructive violence perpetuated across generations.
- Both stories feature a central figure who impacts the course of history and culture.
Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra
- Marshall Allen, a prominent avant-garde saxophonist, was a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
- He played traditional African and world music, notably the kora.
- He assumed leadership of the Arkestra after the passing of Sun Ra and John Gilmore.
- Allen maintains the Sun Ra residence as a museum and continues to compose and arrange music.
- He keeps the Sun Ra Arkestra's legacy alive through new arrangements and original compositions.
- Allen has recorded with a wide array of artists representing diverse musical genres.
- He is recognized internationally for his contributions to jazz and avant-garde music.
Oedipus Rex
- Oedipus, the son, unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and marries his mother, Jocasta.
- Laius, the father, is a tyrant who fears and is jealous of his son. He abandons Oedipus as a baby.
- Jocasta, the mother, is torn between her love for her husband and son, ultimately failing to protect her newborn. She tragically ends up marrying her son.
- Oedipus solves the Sphinx's riddle, becoming king and marrying Jocasta, fulfilling a prophecy.
- A plague afflicts Thebes, prompting Oedipus to investigate Laius' murder, ultimately revealing his own guilt.
- In despair, Oedipus blinds himself and wanders with his daughter Antigone.
- Oedipus' sons, Eteokles and Polynices fight for the throne, killing each other; Antigone defies orders and buries Polynices.
Akhenaten
- Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV), 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, reigned from 1353-1336 or 1351-1334 BC.
- Raised in Mittani (modern-day Syria/northern Iran). He returned to Thebes after his father Amenhotep III's death.
- His mother, Tiye, reigned over Upper and Lower Egypt temporarily.
- Akhenaten is presented as a genius, poet, philosopher, city planner (Akhetaten), and religious reformer.
- Akhenaten introduced Aten, the sun disk, as the sole god, abandoning traditional religion.
- During his rule, Egypt flourished; he had strong family relationships with Tiye, Nefertiti, and their children.
- Akhenaten was known as "son of the Aten" or "he who lives in truth." Similar to Sun Ra who claimed extraterrestrial origins.
- Nefertiti, his wife, gave birth to four or six children (possibly including Tutankhamun). Her name means "Beautiful is the Aten, beauty has arrived."
- Tensions arise between Nefertiti and Tiye, leading Nefertiti to leave the palace.
Oedipus and Akhenaten: Parallels and Staging
- The play Oedipus-Akhenaten explores the father-mother-son/mother-son-wife triads.
- A single actor portrays the Oedipus triad (Laius, Jocasta, Oedipus), and a single actress portrays the Akhenaten triad (Akhenaten, Tiye, Nefertiti).
- The stage design uses reflecting foil to create a spiraling maze, symbolizing the play's movement and mirroring themes.
- The Sun Ra Arkestra serves as a choir, commenting on events with music and dance.
- The play focuses on violence and peace, and shows the ambivalent roles of women.
- Parallels between Oedipus and Akhenaten are emphasized, highlighting themes of fate, truth, and familial conflict.
- The "Great Hymn to the Aten" is referenced, showcasing Akhenaten's religious beliefs.
UNCOOL Festival and Oedipus-Akhenaten Production Notes
- UNCOOL Festival, started in 1999, is a multi-disciplinary arts project by Cornelia C. Müller (KA).
- The festival premiered The Gordian Knot, a musical and artistic reading, in 2009.
- Oedipus-Akhenaten is scheduled for the 2012 UNCOOL Festival in Poschiavo, Switzerland.
- The production will explore violence and peace from multiple perspectives.
- The production uses masks and costumes to differentiate the roles within each triad. The Sun Ra Arkestra features Marshall Allen.
Oedipus Rex
- Oedipus solves the Sphinx's riddle, becoming King of Thebes and marrying his mother, Jocasta.
- Oedipus and Jocasta have four children: Antigone, Ismene, Eteokles, and Polyneikes.
- A plague afflicts Thebes; Oedipus investigates the murder of the former king and discovers he is the murderer.
- In despair, Oedipus blinds himself and wanders with Antigone.
- Eteokles and Polyneikes kill each other fighting for the throne; Antigone buries Polyneikes defying Kreon, leading to her death.
Akhenaten
- Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV), 18th Dynasty pharaoh (1353-1336 or 1351-1334 BC), was raised in Mittani.
- He returned to Thebes after his father Amenhotep III's death, where his mother Tiye ruled.
- Akhenaten's relationship with his father is compared to Oedipus's relationship with his father, highlighting the themes of patricide and erasure of the father's legacy.
- Akhenaten went blind at the end of his reign.
The Story of Oedipus and Akhenaten's Parallels
- Both Oedipus and Akhenaten were intelligent, wise, peaceful, generous, and loving monarchs, educated in the arts.
- Both stories feature violent fathers: Oedipus's father orders his infant son's feet to be pierced and abandoned; Akhenaten tries to erase his father from history.
- The text explores the recurring theme of fathers' violence against sons, exemplified by war, abortion, and religious sacrifices (Abraham, Herod, Jesus).
- The text emphasizes that violence, particularly warfare, is self-destructive and counterproductive.
The Aten Hymn
- A hymn to the Aten, the sun disc, praising its power, life-giving properties, and the order it brings to the world.
Sun Ra and Marshall Allen
- Sun Ra's music and philosophy transcend earthly limitations; his message is one of freedom and self-discipline.
- Marshall Allen, alto saxophonist, joined Sun Ra's Arkestra in 1958, leading the reed section for over 40 years.
- Allen played with notable musicians in Paris (Art Simmons, Don Byas, James Moody).
- Allen studied clarinet in Paris and played with Sun Ra’s Arkestra, influencing avant-garde jazz.
KA – Cornelia C. Müller and the UNCOOL Festival
- The UNCOOL Festival, started in 1999, is an extensive artistic project featuring various mediums (writing, photography, installations, music).
- Müller's work includes projects related to the UN Year of Music and a small arts venue, LO SPAZIO.
- The UNCOOL Festival 2009 included a performance of The Gordian Knot; the 2012 festival will feature Theatre Project Oedipus-Akhenaten, exploring violence and the role of women.
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