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Overview
Synopsis
The Libation Bearers is the second play in the only extant trilogy from Ancient Greece, The Oresteia. Originally presented around 450 BCE at the City Dionysia, The Libation Bearers recounts the story of Orestes’ return to Argos. Compelled by the god Apollo, Orestes is resolved to kill his mother Clytemnestra, and her lover Aegisthus--revenge for their slaughter of Agamemnon, Orestes’ father. This murder is not just vengeance, but also freedom for the people of Argos, who are victims of Aegisthus’ terrible leadership and cruelty. When Orestes arrives in Argos, he sees Electra dressed as a slave, in mourning at her father’s tomb. They siblings reunite, scarcely believing that the other is really there. Then, they set their plan for revenge in motion: By delivering a message that Orestes is dead, the disguised prince will be able to get into the palace and slaughter the tyrannical king and queen. However, Clytemnestra is shrewd and manipulative, and even when her lover is dead won’t give up without a fight. Can Orestes fulfill his revenge and duty to Apollo? Will Clytemnestra still wield power over him? One of the oldest tales in Greek mythology, The Libation Bearers is a tale of deception, revenge, and murder--all in the name of honor.
Show Information
- Book
- Aeschylus
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- Genres
- Tragedy
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- Ancient Argos, tomb of Agamemnon
- Cast Size
- medium
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A recurring symbol or idea in literature, art, or culture.
A term from Ancient Greek tragedy, meaning the purging of pity and fear.
Also called “anagnorisis” in Ancient Greek tragedy, this is the recognition by the hero of his tragic fate, and his inability to change it.
A group of actors who sang, danced, and commented on the action in unison.
A tragic flaw, identified within Ancient Greek tragedy.
The central character of a narrative, often with admirable qualities such as morality, courage, and idealism.
Stories from ancient cultures about divine figures and supernatural events, often considered as a combination of literature, science, history, and religion
A play that centers around the downfall of the main character through tragic actions and events.
The protagonist, generally someone who is noble or royal, and is brought to a downfall by their own hubris.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress