Synopsis

Iphigenia

Iphigenia $13

P Seth Bauer

Published by Dramatists Play Service

6 Male 3 Female

In this modern take on the classic tale, King Agamemnon prepares to lead the greatest coalition of armies in the history of the world to retrieve Helen of Troy

But the seas have suddenly calmed in the Bay of Aulis, and Agamemnon becomes determined to fulfill a terrible prophesy - in order for the winds to blow, he must sacrifice his eldest daughter, Iphigenia

Queen Clytemnestra and Iphigenia arrive at the soldiers' camp, lured by the lie that she will be married to the great warrior, Achilles

Unfortunately, this is the first that Achilles has heard of it

He and his comical army of sock puppets - "The Mighty Myrmidons" - are getting antsy sitting around waiting for the wind to rise

As the soldiers become more and more restless, it's clear that some action has to be taken or the entire coalition will turn upon itself

To hold on to his power, Agamemnon must make a decision that will echo through the ages, as his daughter's death becomes the catalyst for generations of bloodshed

But then Iphigenia surprises them all with a decision that no one could have guessed

Alternating between bawdy comedy and high drama, this play raises questions about what makes a hero in the modern world and what price must be paid to satisfy a country's lust for revenge

REVIEWS

"This simple adaptation, highlighted with quiet flashes of humor, touches upon those deeper issues of war and faith, of patriotism and loyalty, managing to be both contemporary and authentically ancient at the same time. It is a masterful adaptation" ~ Off-Off-Broadway Review

"Fine intellectual fodder for America ... it becomes enjoyable, ultimately tragic theater. The ninety-minute production moves with clarity and great humor" ~ American Theater Web

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