Show Ended
This is a knot no one can untie...
About Elektra
Elektra, haunted by her father's assassination, is consumed by grief; a need for survival; and a thirst for vengeance. When her long lost brother Orestes at last returns, she urges him to a savage and terrifying conclusion but at what cost? Starring Brie Larson (Room, Lessons in Chemistry, Captain Marvel), Daniel Fish (Oklahoma) directs the first major revival in over a decade of Sophocles’ electrifying and timeless play, ELEKTRA , in a stunning translation by award winning poet Anne Carson, at the Theatre Royal Brighton and the intimate Duke of York’s theatre for a strictly limited and unmissable season.
The Story Unfolds: Origins and Evolution
Elektra is one of the most intense and tragic of Sophocles’ surviving plays, dating back to ancient Greece in 410 BCE.
The plot revolves around Elektra, daughter of King Agamemnon, who is consumed by a burning desire for revenge after her mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus, murder her father.
When Elektra learns that her brother Orestes is still alive, the siblings unite in a harrowing plot to avenge their father's death. The story is a powerful exploration of vengeance, justice, and the complexities of familial loyalty.
While Elektra has been performed across many stages, it remains timeless due to its exploration of human emotions and moral dilemmas. In this brand-new West End production, Anne Carson’s modern translation breathes fresh life into the ancient tale. Carson, a renowned poet and scholar of classical literature, has ensured the play’s language remains sharp and accessible, capturing the raw emotions that drive Elektra’s quest for retribution. This production marks its UK premiere, making it an exciting and highly anticipated entry to the 2025 theatre season.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Spectacle
This production boasts a star-studded team, with Oscar-winner Brie Larson taking on the role of Elektra in her highly anticipated West End debut. Larson, known for her roles in Room, Captain Marvel, and Lessons in Chemistry, is set to bring her formidable talents to this iconic character.
Tony Award-nominated director Daniel Fish, who gained acclaim for his innovative reimagining of Oklahoma!, leads the creative charge.
A fascinating fact about this production is its focus on female power, not just in the character of Elektra but also behind the scenes. With Anne Carson’s cutting-edge translation and Brie Larson’s fierce portrayal, this Elektra gives voice to a complex woman pushed to the brink.
Keep in Mind
Elektra plays at the Duke of York’s Theatre for a limited 11-week season from 24 January to 12 April 2025. With such a short run, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
