Phèdre
by Aaron Deter-Wolf
2021-08-12 14:14:23
The debut of Jean Racine's 'Phèdre' was so difficult that for many years afterwards the playwright would only devote himself to religious texts. Thankfully, the play survived its rocky beginnings to serve as a prime example of alexandrine verse and ...
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The debut of Jean Racine's 'Phèdre' was so difficult that for many years afterwards the playwright would only devote himself to religious texts. Thankfully, the play survived its rocky beginnings to serve as a prime example of alexandrine verse and dramatic tragedy. Based in Greek mythology, 'Phèdre' follows its title character, a woman in the ancient royal court, as she and her stepson grapple with illicit loves and the danger of a long lost relative returning home. An increasingly desperate Phèdre is forced to navigate her own feelings and the demands of court while trying to avoid the consequences of her illegal passions.
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