Based on the Greek legend of the Titan demigod who, against the will of Zeus, stole fire from the gods for the benefit of man. His terrible punishment by Zeus, and his continuing defiance of Zeus in the face of that punishment, remain universal symbols of man's vulnerability in any struggle with the gods. Reprinted from a standard translation
Medea by Euripides One of the most powerful and enduring of Greek tragedies, masterfully portraying the fierce motives driving Medea's pursuit of vengeance for her husband's insult and betrayal. Authoritative Rex Warner translation.
Lysistrata by Aristophanes Classic comedy concerns the vow of Greek women to withhold sex from their husbands until the men agree to end the wars between Athens and Sparta. Exuberant battle of the sexes with underlying anti-war theme.
Electra by Sophocles Masterpiece of drama concerns the revenge Electra takes on her mother for the murder of her father. One of the best-known heroines of all drama and a towering figure of Greek tragedy.
The Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus Oedipus's sons vie for the Theban crown. The victor, Eteocles, expels his brother, Polyneices, who flees to Argos and recruits a force of 7 champions to lead an assault on Thebes, with tragic results.
Ten Plays by Anton Chekhov The Sea Gull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard, and Ivanov, plus 5 one-act comedies: The Anniversary, An Unwilling Martyr, The Wedding, The Bear, and The Proposal.
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Landmark of Western drama concerns the catastrophe that ensues when King Oedipus discovers he has inadvertently killed his father and married his mother. Masterly construction, dramatic irony. Explanatory footnotes.
