Elektra

Elektra photos

Elektra description

There's a new adaptation of the ancient Sophocles play Elektra in town, a story that never grows old thanks to its electrifying plot, fascinating themes and - this time around - a cast to reckon with. In London for a strictly limited run, this epic tragedy will delight you.

The story of Elektra

The story is set in the city of Argos following the famous Trojan War, when a bitter struggle takes place for justice. When Clytemnestra and their stepfather Aegisthus murders Elektra and Orestes' father Agamemnon, Elektra's resolve is set. Destined to live a life of extremes family strife and revenge defines her life, shapes her character and informs every decision she makes.

Elektra's history

This marks the first major revival in more than ten years, a play that's more than 2500 years old but still has the power to move us. Written by Sophocles some time between the years 420 and 414 BC, the Ancient Roman writer Cicero said it was a masterpiece. It still is.

Adapted time and time again over the centuries, it was transformed into a 1949 play by Ezra Pound and Rudd Fleming, made into an extraordinary opera by Mikis Theodorakis in 1995, and in 2021 was produced as a film in the Malayalam language by the Indian director, film maker and actor Shyamaprasad.

Elektra cast and creatives

Starring Brie Larson (Room,Lessons in Chemistry,Captain Marvel), and directed by Daniel Fish (Oklahoma), it has been translated by the award-winning poet Anne Carson. The internationally renowned Stockard Channing (The West Wing, The Good Wife) joins Marième Diouf (Romeo and Juliet), Greg Hicks (Grapes of Wrath, Coriolanus) and Patrick Vaill (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Oklahoma!).

Playing at Duke of York's Theatre (venue info)

Performance Times for Elektra