Oresteia: Robert Icke's Contemporary Adaptation of Aeschylus' Monumental Tragedy

Oresteia is a contemporary adaptation of Aeschylus' trilogy, reimagined by British playwright Robert Icke. This monumental drama explores themes of war, justice, sacrifice, honour, and the cyclical nature of revenge and forgiveness through the lens of the house of Atreus.

This production presents a loose adaptation of Aeschylus’ trilogy, offering a contemporary take by British playwright Robert Icke. The play is described as a monumental, layered drama that strongly and cruelly reflects the present situation, exploring the aftermath of war, the roles of heroes and losers, sacrifice, honour, and the complex dynamics between strong men and even stronger women. The narrative delves into themes of new beginnings, hope, forgiveness, remorse, but also inner rage, moral guilt, and endless questions about what drives political leaders, where justice and truth can be found, the importance of forgiveness, and how to remain sane and make moral decisions. The modern-day story frames the ancient history of the house of Atreus as a thriller, a personal, and a social drama about the perils of anger and the futility of revenge. It follows General Agamemnon, his wife Clytemnestra, and their children Iphigenia, Electra, and Orestes through their notorious adventures in a modern antiquity. Robert Icke builds a compelling and attractive family saga on the foundations of the over two-thousand-year-old play, questioning the boundaries between right and wrong and the possibility of serving justice.

Tickets are available through the National Theatre. The performance has surtitles in English and runs for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.