Agamemnon

Play

Writers: Aeschylus

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
1
Genres
Drama, Tragedy
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Ancient Greece, Argos, the palace
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, adult, mature adult, late teen, elderly characters

Synopsis

Agamemnon, the king of Argos, is returning victorious from the Trojan War. He expects a glorious homecoming, and the people--especially his wife Clytemnestra--are relieved that he is home. However, Clytemnestra is holding murderous vengeance in her heart. Before Agamemnon left for Troy, he sacrificed his daughter for favorable sailing winds. Ever since, Clytemnestra has plotted her husband’s demise, and takes the opportunity to execute both Agamemnon and the innocent Cassandra, whom Agamemnon brought with him as a prisoner of war. Originally presented at the City Dionysia in 458 BCE, this first play of Aeschylus’ The Oresteia trilogy continues the dark blood cycle of vengeance of mythology’s cruelest family.

Lead Characters


Agamemnon guide sections