HERAKLES by Euripides

The iconic tragedy by Euripides, “Herakles,” will be presented on Wednesday, July 17 at 21:30 at the Ancient Theater of Philippi as part of the 67th Philippi Festival.

An outstanding cast, including Pygmalion Dadakaridis, Giorgos Gallos, Stefania Goulioti, Iro Bezou, Anna Kalaitzidou, Giannis Klinis, Aineias Tsamatis, Nikos Milias, Gal Robissa, Babis Galiatsatos, Thanasis Raftopoulos, Antonis Antonopoulos, and the distinguished musician Fotis Siotas in a prominent role on stage, plunges us into the existential anguish of Euripides‘ iconic tragedy, under the directorial guidance of Dimitris Karantzas.

“What man was born so miserable?”

Euripides, in his rarely performed play “Herakles,” places Herakles at the centre. This mythical figure will descend into the most painful collapse, transforming from a demigod into a polluted being, through a relentless game of the Gods.

In this work, the Poet’s darkest and most human, the setting is Thebes, which is under the tyranny of Lycus after Herakles left for his final labour. Herakles’ father and wife, exiled and condemned to death, have no hope. Neither does the Chorus, suddenly enslaved under Lycus’ tyranny. When Herakles returns from the Underworld, having completed all his labours, he overthrows Lycus, and it seems their ending will be happy. But the will of the Gods – the Tyranny of Herakles – stains the hero’s hands with the most morbid blood. The blood of his wife and children, whom he will kill, driven mad by the frenzy of Lyssa.

A punishment for a hero (?), a demigod (?), or simply a man who exceeded the norm, stepping out of the human and disturbing the structure and predefined boundaries?

Through this parable, with its strong political implications, Euripides illuminates the inadequacy and insignificance of human existence when confronted by a higher power—whether termed tyrannical regime or deity—that annihilates human will and consigns it to oblivion. Euripides’ fierce critique of the absence of democracy and the abandonment by the gods transforms, in performance, into a cry of despair from humanity as it comes to terms with its own helplessness.