The Oresteia: A Theatrical Triumph

It was absolutely thrilling to see the complex and charged Greek tragedy 'The Oresteia' come to life on the stage at the MCT on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The cast of Middle School pupils stunned the audience with their sophistication, professionalism and talent in this adaptation by Robert Icke. Directed and designed by Assistant Director of Drama Mrs Arter-Furlong, this production was a labour of love and a truly remarkable achievement considering the disruptions caused by Covid-19 absences.

This adaptation of Oresteia is a bold reimagining of Aeschylus’ trilogy: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides. The central theme of the play explores the intersection of philosophical and psychological questions around how we make decisions. What are the limits of our freedom to decide anything and do our identities and our environment affect this freedom? How can we define truth and justice? Each character grapples with these questions as the dysfunctions of a family – disorder, murder, adultery and vengeance – are played out. It was most impressive to watch our pupils’ plug into and express these complex themes and emotions.

Congratulations to all members of the cast and crew who undertook this gargantuan production. We were awed by the performances, technical sophistication and teamwork.