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Overview
Synopsis
Agamemnon, the king of Argos, is returning victorious from the Trojan War. He expects a glorious homecoming, and the people--especially his wife Clytemnestra--are relieved that he is home. However, Clytemnestra is holding murderous vengeance in her heart. Before Agamemnon left for Troy, he sacrificed his daughter for favorable sailing winds. Ever since, Clytemnestra has plotted her husband’s demise, and takes the opportunity to execute both Agamemnon and the innocent Cassandra, whom Agamemnon brought with him as a prisoner of war. Originally presented at the City Dionysia in 458 BCE, this first play of Aeschylus’ The Oresteia trilogy continues the dark blood cycle of vengeance of mythology’s cruelest family.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Male |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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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
The response section of an ancient Greek choral ode, following the strophe and preceding the epode.
Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.
An Ancient Greek festival in honor of Dionysus where dramatic competitions laid the foundation for Western theatre traditions.
A sudden realization or insight experienced by a character, often marking a turning point.
A group in Ancient Greek theatre that commented on the action, represented the public, and provided narrative insight.
A tragic flaw leading to the downfall of a hero in classical tragedy. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The central character in a play, often one who faces conflict and undergoes a journey or transformation. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Hubris is excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence that leads a character to defy moral or divine law. In classical tragedy, hubris often causes the downfall of rulers or heroes who overestimate their own power. It serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring limits set by the gods, society, or fate.
A body of traditional stories involving gods, heroes, and creation myths. Mythology provides inspiration for characters and narratives in global theatre traditions.
The first section of an ancient Greek choral ode, paired with the antistrophe and epode in a formal structure.
A neoclassical principle dictating unity of time, place, and action, influencing dramatic structure in theatre history.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes
A protagonist whose downfall results from a fatal flaw, central to classical and modern tragedy.
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress