Ancient Greeks Today: Modern Adaptations of the Orestes Myth

Author

Arthur L. Robinson, Ursinus CollegeFollow

Submission Date

7-22-2016

Document Type

Paper

Department

Theater

Faculty Mentor

Domenick Scudera

Comments

Presented during the 18th Annual Summer Fellows Symposium, July 22, 2016 at Ursinus College.

Project Description

This research closely examines the ancient Greek myth of Orestes, the boy who murdered his mother to avenge his father. It first draws upon the works of Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles, who all wrote different variations of the same myth. This is followed by an examination of several more modern day adaptions of the myth, including but not limited to Eugene O’Neill’s Mourning Becomes Elektra, David Foley’s Murders at Argos, and Ferdinando Baldi’s The Forgotten Pistolero. The research highlights differences made to more effectively reach the varying audiences of the time, and the techniques used to create a successful adaptation. It also includes the beginnings of my own adaptation of the Orestes myth.

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Arthur L., "Ancient Greeks Today: Modern Adaptations of the Orestes Myth" (2016). Theater Summer Fellows. 2.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/theater_sum/2