Greek
Theatre
at Warwick

Aeschylus’ Agamemnon

30-31 January 2025

Clytemnestra awaits Agamemnon's homecoming

On this page

The race at its furthest point's only halfway run; still to do is the getting safely home. If the soldier returns not having offended the gods, it may be that the pains of those he destroyed will sleep unavenged—not bring him a bad end.
The chorus in creepy masks in Aeschylus' Agamemnon at Warwick Arts Centre

Summary

Agamemnon takes place in the aftermath of the Greeks’ invasion of Troy, undertaken to recover Helen and loot the affluent city. The chorus of Argive elders and Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra are awaiting his return. However, even before Agamemnon has stepped foot in Argos, his homecoming has been tainted by memories of the brutal sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigeneia, for the sake of the invasion, and by the news of the storm that obliterated the Greek fleet on its return.

As we are about to witness Agamemnon's chilling homecoming, the dark energy that has been brewing in the house for generations takes a palpable form.

Performance

Production

Director: Fred Brierley

Producer: Colleen Baxter-Locker | Stage manager: Stella Omotade | Academic Consultant: Dr Emmanuela Bakola

In the role of Clytemnestra: Sommy Chukwuma | Agamemnon: Jed Kain | Cassandra: Gio Presotto | Aegisthus: Matthew Lee


Following 2024's performance of Aeschylus' Persians, the 2025 production of Agamemnon saw the first episode in Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy by the Department of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick and the Warwick Classics Society. Performed in the theatre of Warwick Arts Centre, the play brings to life the myth and legend of the aftermath of the Trojan War in a gripping performance, accompanied by lectures and talks from scholars of Greek drama.

The production showcases the creativity and collaboration of students and staff in the Department of Classics and Ancient History, bringing together both the ancient drama itself, and modern research into Greek dramatic festivals and theatre. A close reading of the original text gives rise to a plethora of symbolism and fuller understanding of the ancient drama. From fabric to lighting, colour to use of space on-stage, the performance is suited to a modern audience, while bringing ancient elements of drama to the forefront.

The production team would like to thank Avion Technical Services Ltd. for their assistance in lighting and sound, along with alumnae Rhianna Pike in music composition and Hana Lawrie in costume design.

Gallery

View the full gallery
Clytemnestra awaits Agamemnon's homecoming
The chorus in creepy masks in Aeschylus' Agamemnon at Warwick Arts Centre
Aeschylus Agamemnon at Warwick Arts Centre
Aeschylus Agamemnon at Warwick Arts Centre
Backstage at Aeschylus Agamemnon at Warwick Arts Centre
They were the flower of the land, archers supreme, a densely massed company of men; they have all perished…
Aeschylus Agamemnon poster

Programme

Lectures

View all our resources

“Inventing the barbarian” – Persians and Classical Athens

Watching Aeschylus’ Persians in performance

The historical context of Aeschylus’ Persians

Introduction to Greek theatre and festivals

Yet I have a wish from you, my friends, to learn this: where do men say that Athens stands upon the earth?

Get in touch

If you would like to reach out to know more about this production, the Warwick Ancient Drama Festival, or the Department of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick, please feel free to contact Dr Emmanuela Bakola at [email protected]

Greek
Theatre
at Warwick
Navigation
Resources Get involved
Links
Accessibility Privacy Terms

Department of Classics and Ancient History, Humanities Building, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL