OEDIPA

Oedipa is Amy McCauley’s debut, designed and illustrated by Emily Juniper. It is a poetic drama for an all-female cast which re-imagines aspects of the Oedipus myth. The book explores ambivalent female sexualities, women’s experiences of breakdown, and the claustrophobic, ‘incestuous’ relationships which sometimes exist between mothers and daughters.

The adolescent protagonist Oedipa must confront those who wield power over her. The Fates, Jokasta, and Doktor Spynx all seek to control and manipulate Oedipa, who must also survive the stifling environs of a run-down seaside town. The playful vocal performances on the ‘page-as-stage’ are fully activated by Emily Juniper’s illustrations.

Amy McCauley‘s poetry has been anthologised by Viking, Bloodaxe, Salt and Eyewear. In 2016 she won a Northern Writers’ Award. Amy is editor of Creative Response for MAI: Journal of Feminism and Visual Culture.

Emily Juniper is a freelance designer and writer. Her play scripts have been produced in London and Edinburgh and published by Atlantic Press. Last year she won best newcomer at the Society of Book Binders biannual conference.