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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
- Book
- Aeschylus
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- Genres
- Drama, Tragedy
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- Ancient Greece, Argos, the palace
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
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
In Ancient Greek theatre, the second part of an ode spoken by the chorus and accompanied by movement of the chorus from west to east.
A term from Ancient Greek tragedy, meaning the purging of pity and fear.
A large festival held in ancient Athens in honor of the god Dionysus. Theatrical performances of tragedies and comedies were central to the festivities
Also called “anagnorisis” in Ancient Greek tragedy, this is the recognition by the hero of his tragic fate, and his inability to change it.
A group of actors who sang, danced, and commented on the action in unison.
A tragic flaw, identified within Ancient Greek tragedy.
The central character of a narrative, often with admirable qualities such as morality, courage, and idealism.
Excessive pride, the most common tragic flaw.
Stories from ancient cultures about divine figures and supernatural events, often considered as a combination of literature, science, history, and religion
In Ancient Greek theatre, the first part of an ode spoken by the chorus and accompanied by movement of the chorus from east to west.
The theory that all drama must follow the three unities set out by the Greek philosopher Aristotle: action, place, and time.
A play that centers around the downfall of the main character through tragic actions and events.
The protagonist, generally someone who is noble or royal, and is brought to a downfall by their own hubris.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress