Thyestes
by Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Caryl Churchill, Seneca
What readers are saying
Readers are captivated by the intensity and darkness of this tragedy, which explores themes of vengeance and familial betrayal. Many appreciate Seneca's raw and explicit approach, which contrasts sharply with more restrained classical texts. While it's recognized for its disturbing content, the play's craftsmanship and philosophical depth resonate strongly with the audience.
Synopsis
Thyestes; Atreus, Agamemnon's father, takes revenge on his brother Thyestes by murdering Thyestes' sons and serving their flesh up for their father's dinner.
Press Reviews
"In Caryl Churchill's spartan, poetic translation ... this template tragedy is awesome."
— Observer
"Skillfully points up all the play's influence on Elizabethan drama, while investing it with some welcome modernity of utterance.... Has its rewards for the student of Seneca, of Churchill and of Eng. lit."
— Financial Times
"Prompts thoughts ... of the ethics of revenge, of the latest reports from Rwanda, of what has happened in its time on all five continents.... The style conveys the sadism and anguish of the main characters all the more forcefully for being bare and direct."
— Sunday Telegraph
Publication
Thyestes is a play written by Lucius Annaeus Seneca and published by Nick Hern Books (2001).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle.
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