Explore this Show

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

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

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Orestes

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Apollo

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Athena

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Chorus of Furies

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Ghost of Clytemnestra

Featured

Female

Non-singer

The Pythian Priestess

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Athenian Citizens (12)

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

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

Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.

Videos

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:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress