Written in 1986 and 1987, it was premiered on 4 October 1987 at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, directed by Götz Friedrich; it was broadcast live and recorded on DVD.

[2][3] The opera was premiered at Deutsche Oper on 4 October 1987, conducted by Christof Prick and directed by Götz Friedrich in a stage design by Andreas Reinhardt [de].

It was conducted by George Manahan and directed by Francesca Zambello, with Rod Gilfry as Oedipus, David Rampy as Kreon, Dooley as Tiresias, Peter Van Derick as Messanger, Patryk Wroblewski as Shephers and Golden as Jokasta.

[6][7] A 2003 production was staged at the Theater Krefeld und Mönchengladbach, with Kenneth Duryea conducting the Niederrheinischen Sinfoniker and Gregor Horres [de] directing in scenic design by Kirsten Dephoff.

Three scenes reflect the background, played at the back of the stage: Oedipus and the Sphinx, a child limping though a rocky desert, and the scuffle at the crossroads.

[2] The only strings are two solo violins that play after Oedipus blinds himself, accompanying him to the "farthest distance".