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Overview
Synopsis
The third play in the only extant Ancient Greek trilogy, Aeschylus’ The Eumenides brings the tragic story of Orestes and the house of Atreus to a conclusion. Orestes, the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, is called to exact revenge for his father’s murder by the god Apollo. He successfully kills Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus, both fulfilling his duty and freeing the people of Argos from tyranny. However, before she died, Clytemnestra cursed Orestes, and just as he is preparing to be king, the Furies--hag-like creatures who pursue those who have committed blood crimes against family--appear and pursue him.
At the beginning of The Eumenides, Orestes collapses in the Temple of Apollo, wearied and near-mad from The Furies. His only hope for peace is to have a trial to lift the curse and cycle of blood vengeance. The god Apollo defends Orestes, as the goddess Athena presides over the defense and deliberations. A dramatization of the first courtroom trial, Athena’s wisdom upholds the political and civil significance of justice through law, rather than personal vengeance.
Show Information
- Book
- Aeschylus
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- Genres
- Tragedy
- Settings
- Simple/No Set, Multiple Settings, Period
- Time & Place
- Ancient Delphi, the Temple of Apollo, Ancient Athens, the Temple of Athena
- Cast Size
- small
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
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
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress