Phaedra Echoes — Inter Arts Matrix

A Performance Research Project

“Phaedra Echoes/ Échos de Phèdre” is a research project and a dialogue with the many versions of the story of Phaedra, first dramatized by Euripides in 428 B.C. This story of frustrated desire and revenge has, down the years, captured the imagination of many other artists, poets, musicians, and playwrights. The question we set out to answer is: “What is it about Phaedra's story that has resonated into our own time?”

Projects:

PHAEDRA - The Backstory

In Greek mythology Phaedra is the daughter of Minos, King of Crete, and his queen, Pasiphae, daughter of Helios, the Sun. Phaedra is the younger sister of Ariadne, who helped Theseus slay the Minotaur. Ariadne eloped with Theseus, who then abandoned her on the island of Naxos, and took Phaedra as his wife.

In Trozen, the city that is the summer home to Theseus and his extended family, Phaedra falls in love with Hippolytus, the adult son of Theseus. During Theseus’s absence Phaedra declares her love. Hippolytus rejects her. Overcome with shame and despair Phaedra decides to die.

Project Leaders:
Anne-Marie Donovan
Kim Jernigan
Isabella Stefanescu

Researchers:
Anne-Marie Donovan
Kim Jernigan
Ella MacDonald
Sonya Malaborza
John Pennoyer
Isabella Stefanescu

Author Permissions: Kim Jernigan, Sonya Malaborza

Special thanks: Margaret Sweatman, Dr. Carolyn MacDonald