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
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 BC,
under the influence of a big defeat of his homeland,
Athens, who faced a military disaster at that time.
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)