The Bacchae by Euripides: Introduction (02:18)

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This beautifully staged production of Euripides 406 BC masterpiece is based on Peter Arnott's audience-friendly translation. The story follows Dionysos (played by Mia Perovetz) visiting Thebes disguised as a charismatic young leader at the center of a horde of erotic female bacchae. The play exposes the dangers of fanaticism and deals with the timeless human quest to balance order and spontaneity. Originally produced in 2017 and remastered in 2020. In this first segment, the narrator introduces the audience to Dionysus and explains his family tree. He sets the stage for the Greek drama.

"The Bacchae": Prologue and Parados (10:49)

Dionysus, disguised as a human woman, praises Cadmus for the monument to his mother. He vows to teach mortals a lesson for denying his godhead; he has already robbed his aunts of their wits. The Chorus exalts their god.

"The Bacchae": Episode I (13:34)

Tiresias and Cadmus are excited to worship Dionysus. Pentheus arrives and denounces Bacchic rites. Tiresias defends Dionysus and Cadmus tries to reason with his grandson. Pentheus vows to punish "the god." The Chorus ruminates about Pentheus' claims and prays to Dionysus.

"The Bacchae": Episode II (06:06)

A soldier brings Dionysus to Pentheus and reveals that the Bacchae have escaped. Pentheus interrogates Dionysus and becomes angry; he orders Dionysus locked away. The Chorus chastises Pentheus.

"The Bacchae": Episode III (24:26)

Dionysus acknowledges the Chorus and causes an earthquake. He describes tricking Pentheus. Pentheus confronts Dionysus and a messenger arrives with news from the mountain; he implores Pentheus to accept the god. Dionysus offers to introduce Pentheus to the Bacchae.

"The Bacchae": Episode IV (09:22)

Pentheus appears dressed as a Maenad; he seeks to understand the Bacchanal by spying. Dionysus promises to lead him to the forest; he cries out for Pentheus' death.

"The Bacchae": Episodes V and VI (19:15)

A messenger reveals the details of Pentheus' death. Agave arrives with Pentheus' head, believing it is that of a lion. Cadmus enters and talks Agave out of her madness. She realizes she holds her son's head and the two grieve.

"The Bacchae": Episode VI and Exodos (12:02)

Agave begs to see Pentheus' body and laments her arrogance. Dionysus enters, justifying his actions; he declares the fates of Cadmus, Agave, and her sisters. Tiresias reflects on the power of the gods.

Credits: The Bacchae by Euripides (01:53)

Credits: The Bacchae by Euripides