Iphigenia, Phaedra, Athaliah

Strongly influenced by Classical drama, Jean Racine (1639-99) broke away from the grandiose theatricality of baroque drama to create works of intense psychological realism, with characters manipulated by cruel and vengeful gods. Iphigenia depicts a princess''s absolute submission to her father''s will, despite his determination to sacrifice her to gain divine favour before going to war. Described ...