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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

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

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Orestes

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Electra

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Clytemnestra

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Pylades

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Aegisthus

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Nurse

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Chorus of Slave Women

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Attendant

Featured

Male

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

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

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

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress