Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
After the death of Oedipus, King of Thebes, his two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, are in a bitter dispute over who will become the new ruler. The brothers come to an unusual arrangement: they will alternate ruling the state year by year. Eteocles is king first, but when it comes time to hand over control to Polyneices, he refuses to honor their agreement. Polyneices leads an army to the gates of Thebes and lays siege to the city, and faces his brother head on in battle. Fulfilling a prophecy laid down by their father, both men die at each others’ hands.
Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes is a re-telling of one of the most popular legends of antiquity, making reference to a story that every member of a Greek audience would know instantly. As a result, much of the narrative is delivered through speeches and monologues, rather than by staging the dramatic action. The story of Eteocles, Polyneices, and their champions is deeply interconnected to many other famous Greek legends, including Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and The Phoenician Women.
Show Information
- Book
- Aeschylus
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- Genres
- Drama, Tragedy
- Settings
- Period
- Time & Place
- The Citadel of Thebes, Ancient Greece
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Silent |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Silent |
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
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Sorry! We do not currently have videos for this guide.
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
