The Bacchae

by Euripides

Overview

Euripides was one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, the other two being Aeschylus and Sophocles. Some ancient scholars attributed ninety-five plays to him, of these, eighteen or nineteen have survived complete. Euripides is identified with theatrical innovations that have profoundly influenced drama down to modern times, especially in the representation of traditional, mythical heroes as ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. This new approach led him to pioneer developments that later writers adapted to comedy, some of which are characteristic of romance

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617208638
Publisher:	Wilder Publications
Publication date:	04/18/2013
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.08(d)

About the Author

Aaron Poochigian has published four books of poetry and several translations, including Aristophanes: Four Plays (2021) and Stung with Love: Poems and Fragments by Sappho (2009). He lives in New York City.

Table of Contents

	Preface	vi
	Background to the story of Bacchae	vii
	Map of Ancient Greece	viii
	List of characters	1
	Commentary and translation	2
	Synopsis of the play	94
	Pronunciation of names	96
	Introduction to the Greek Theatre	97
	Time line	101
	Index	102

Editorial Reviews

Offers a new line-for-line translation of Euripides' play about the consequences of an attempt in Thebes to suppress the cult of Dionysus. An introduction discusses the cultural background of the play, its author, and ancient tragic theater, and suggests psychological, moral, religious, and political issues raised by the play. --Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

Very accessible and 'fresh' translations, which will be valuable additions to American theatre.

Interactive Theatre Newsletter - Jeff Wirth

This is a very useful edition, excellent for classroom purposes. The translation is clear and lively, and several students commented on how much they enjoyed it. The introduction provides an excellent overview of the issues in the play, as well as of earlier scholarship, making it a good resource for more advanced classes. The cover photo is an added bonus and provided the starting point for stimulating class discussion. —James B. Rives, York University


An excellent translation which captures Bacchae's combination of colloquial and lyric language. The Notes and Introduction are also very helpful. —Mary-Kay Gamel, University of California, Santa Cruz

From the Publisher

Very accessible and 'fresh' translations, which will be valuable additions to American theatre.
— Jeff Wirth, Editor

Interactive Theatre Newsletter