Electra, one of Euripides’ most important tragedies, comes to the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for one night only in September. A pervasive study of revenge, guilt, repentance, and justice, It is not clear whether it was first produced before or after Sophocles’ version of Electra.
The peculiar way in which Euripides manages the well-known mythology of masculinity through a series of novelties and narrative innovations is masterful and widely considered to be one of the best achievements in the world dramaturgy.
Themis Moumoulidis directs and characterises this production as a “lyrical thriller” and provides a contemporary interpretation of this ancient tragedy.
The grand 1,900 year old stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Photograph: Why Athens
THE STORY OF ELECTRA BY EURIPIDES IN BRIEF
When Agamemnon, the king of Argos, returns home from the Trojan War, he is murdered in cold blood by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Afterward, Aegisthus and Clytemnestra are married, and Aegisthus becomes king. Orestes, the young son of Agamemnon, is sent by a relative to Phocis before Aegisthus can destroy him. Electra, the daughter, remains, but is given in marriage to an old peasant, lest she marry a warrior powerful enough to avenge her father’s death.
Why Athens Tip: This production will be performed in Greek, subtitles in English may not be available.
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