Theseus, the legendary king of Troezen, has been missing for six months when his court receives the news of his death. Who is to succeed him? Hippolytus, his son from his first marriage, or the child of his second wife Phaedra? Or even Princess Aricia, an Athenian prisoner of war at Theseus’ court? During the short time when political power is up to be grasped, another power takes hold of the protagonists: Phaedra confesses her love for Hippolytus, who in turn reveals his forbidden love for Aricia. When Theseus returns unexpectedly, a tragic entanglement of guilt, confession, reason of state and desire runs its course.
Racine’s tragedy, written in 1677, is the work of a man with an unprecedented career. A habitué of the center of power, the court of Louis XIV, where betrayal and intrigue were par for the course, in this play he poses the question how virtue may be recognized. “Why are there no unmistakable signs / To recognize the hearts of traitors?” Theseus asks. They may only be recognized, Racine’s tragedy suggests, by the heart.
Matthias Hartmann, Stage Director
Johannes Schütz, Set and Costume Design
Peter Bandl, Lighting
CAST
Paulus Manker, Sunnyi Melles, Philipp Hauß, Sylvie Rohrer, Hans-Michael Rehberg, Therese Affolter
Members of the Burgtheater ensembl
Contact
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Salzburger Sommerfestspiele 2010
