Phoenician Women

By Euripides
Translator: Philipe Vellacott

The Phoenician Women is a tragedy by Euripides based on the same story as Aeschylus' play Seven Against Thebes. The title refers to the Greek chorus, which is composed of Phoenician women on their way to Delphi who are trapped in Thebes by the war. Unlike some of Euripides' other plays, the chorus does not play a significant role in the plot, but represents the innocent and neutral people that very often are found in the middle of a war situations. Patriotism is a significant theme in the story, as Polynices talks a great deal about his love for the city of Thebes but has brought an army to destroy it; Creon is also forced to make a choice between saving the city and saving the life of his son. Euripides wrote the play around 408, under the influence of a big defeat of his homeland, Athens, who faced then a military disaster.

The performance is the second part of a cycle of five plays to be performed on the story of Oedipus by the three ancient Greek tragedians, Aeskylus, Sofocles and Euripides.

Directed by George Eugeniou
Set and Costume Designer Bryan Woltjen
Costume Designer Ana Vana

23rd June to 26th June at 7.30 pm
27th June at 4 pm

Tickets £10 (£8 conc)