In the first part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, King Agamemnon returns to Argos, shortly after the end of the Trojan War. Agamemnon triumphantly marches into the city and his palace, flaunting the Trojan princess and Apollo priestess Cassandra as his spoils of war. Clytemnestra welcomes her husband, all pomp and circumstance. However, it is quickly revealed that her enthusiasm conceals a well-orchestrated plan. She has decided to take revenge for the murder of their daughter, Iphigenia, sacrificed by Agamemnon to get the Greek ships afloat over ten years ago. The red carpet she rolls out for Agamemnon’s return foreshadows the impending bloodbath, when she and her accomplice/lover, Aegisthus, murder the king and his concubine.
With English surtitles
Translation: Yorgos Blanas
Direction: Cezaris Graužinis
Set and costume design: Kenny MacLellan
Music - Musical coaching: Haris Pegiazis
Movement: Eddie Lame
Lighting design: Alekos Yiannaros
Assistant director: Sygklitiki Vlahaki
Dramaturgy consultant: Panagiotis Skouras
Cast: Maria Protopappa, Yannis Stankoglou, Argyris Pantazaras, Iovi Fragatou, and Thodoris Katsafados
Chorus: Markos Gettos, Dimitris Georgiadis, Tasos Theofilatos, Panagos Ioakeim, Dimitris Karaviotis, Elias Menayer, Dimitris Miliotis, Alexandros Moukanos, Alexandros Balamotis, Vasilis Papageorgiou, Clearchos Papageorgiou, Giorgos Papandreou
Production manager: Anastasia Kavalari
Communication: Anzelika Kapsampeli
Artistic direction of Stefi Productions: Aliki Danezi Knutsen
Promo photos: Tasos Thomoglou
Trailer: Patroklos Skafidas
Production: Athens & Epidaurus Festival - Stefi & Lynx Productions / Arcadia Media - Regional and Municipal Theatre of Kozani - Regional and Municipal Theatre of Veroia
Aeschylus' story is an astonishing testament to human fate and its unreasonable nature.
Indeed, we lose our battle with our fears - endlessly.
Indeed, we build cities continuously and we are prisoners of our self-made, voluntarily built prisons.
Indeed, we are waiting for saviours; when these arrive, we realize they deserve our pity.
Indeed, what we called 'justice' will lead us, sooner than later, to crime.
We are all guilty.
Punishment is inevitable.
Those who managed to dispose of their hopes and expectations, and taught themselves how to be patient, are blissful.
Agamemnon is a bleak play. However, let us take you to a journey to this play's world, a journey that is substantial and exciting. I believe our guide - Poetry - knows the path to joy.