Euripides: Bakkhai

Eurpides’ Bakkhai presents the inner conflict between the untamed, irrational side of man, represented by the god Dionysos, and the rational side, represented by the god Apollo. Dionysos, whose mortal mother Semele was impregnated, then incinerated by Zeus, returns to his home city of Thebes to reveal himself and to claim his rightful dominion. This ancient Greek play also foreshadows the New Testament treatment of Christ, especialy his interchange with Pilate. Originally commissioned for a London theater group, Robert Emmet Meagher’s translation made its American debut at the Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO.

The Bakkhai offers a rich and revealing introduction to ancient Greek tragedy — a remarkably appropriate alternative to Sophocles’ Oedipus the King.

Meagher’s Bakkhai is an illuminating, attractive and affordable presentation for the general reader, the college student, the director and performer alike.

Special Features

• A lively and extremely actable English translation that is true to the word and spirit of the ancient original
• A Preface on the purpose and challenge of this translation
• Commentary on Euripides and the play