Overview

Synopsis

A tragic myth from Ancient Greece, Jean Baptiste Racine’s retelling of Phaedra is renowned for its depth of poetry and complex characterization of the titular tragic figure. Phaedra is the wife of Theseus and stepmother to Hippolytus. After word arrives that Theseus has been killed during his expedition, Phaedra confesses that she is actually in love with her stepson. Her wild and erratic emotional states have been the result of denying her passion for Hippolytus, and she begs him to form an alliance with her--or kill her out of pity. However, the prince is disgusted by Phaedra, and pursues his love for Aricia, a young princess kept as a prisoner. When Theseus, to everyone’s amazement, returns alive and well, he is baffled at the strange behavior of his wife and son. To protect Phaedra’s honor, the nurse Oenone crafts a lie: Hippolytus attempted to rape Phaedra. Father and son confront each other, the deceit falls apart, and in her final moments, Phaedra confesses her sins. A dynamic and moving tragedy, Racine’s Phaedra is a haunting examination of forbidden passion and ultimate deceit.

Show Information

Book
Jean-Baptiste Racine
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1677
Genres
Tragedy
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Ancient Greece, Troezen
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Phaedra

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Theseus

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Hippolytus

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Aricia

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Oenone

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Theramenes

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Ismene

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Panope

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Académie Française

    France’s official language authority, sometimes referenced in plays about French culture or censorship.

    Aristotelian Unities

    Dramatic rules from Aristotle’s *Poetics* prescribing unity of time, place, and action in classical tragedy.

    Mythology

    A body of traditional stories involving gods, heroes, and creation myths. Mythology provides inspiration for characters and narratives in global theatre traditions.

    Public Domain

    Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.

    Tragedy

    A dramatic genre involving serious themes and the downfall of a protagonist, often evoking catharsis from the audience.

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress