Dionysus, god of wine and ecstasy, has come to Thebes, and the women are streaming out of the city to worship him on the mountain, drinking and dancing in wild frenzy. The king, Pentheus, denouces this so-called 'god' as a charlatan. But no mortal can deny a god and no man can ever stand against Dionysus. This stunning translation, by the award-winning poet Robin Robertson, reinvigorated Euripides' devastating take of a god's revenge for contemporary readers, bringing the ancient verse to fervid, brutal life.
Euripides
Euripides was an ancient Greek tragedian born around 480 BC in Athens. He is known for his innovative and controversial plays that challenged traditional beliefs and societal norms. Some of his most notable works include "Medea," "The Bacchae," and "Electra."
Euripides' plays often featured strong female characters and explored themes of revenge, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. His use of psychological depth and moral ambiguity set him apart from his contemporaries and influenced future playwrights.
Euripides made significant contributions to the development of Greek tragedy, incorporating elements of realism and focusing on the inner lives of his characters. His works continue to be studied and performed around the world, with "Medea" being his most famous and enduring play. Euripides' legacy as a master of tragedy and a pioneer of dramatic storytelling has had a lasting impact on the literary genre.