Oresteia – Aischylos (2024)

The only preserved ancient Greek trilogy arises from a vast mythological background, from the circle of myths about the curse of the House of Tantalus, where an ancient bloody stain falls upon successive generations, leading to an endless chain of violence and crimes. The first two parts of the trilogy remain in the realm of myth and express it in dramatic and ethical situations: Clytemnestra murders her husband, King Agamemnon, and is subsequently killed by her son Orestes. The third part unfolds as a clash of two legal principles – paternal law and maternal law – and is resolved by establishing a judicial body composed of democratically elected citizens. ***** The translation was originally commissioned by the National Theatre between 2000 and 2002, at the instigation of the then head of the ND drama department, Josef Kovalčuk, and director Ivan Rajmont, and was used in the staging of the drama at the Stavovské Theatre from 2002 to 2003. The translation, originally published as part of the program for the staging, has been slightly revised for the current edition.