The Greek Plays

Our play reading group selected this translation, which makes this iconic cycle of plays accessible and meaningful for today's thoughtful reader.

a lot of new and interesting adaptations

I really enjoy these versions of classic greek drama. Ellen McLaughlin is able to create such powerful pieces of work and I think it is worth knowing and performing more in the theatre community.

I hoped for a literal translation in standard English, not an updated version in contemporary street language.

Perfect !

This book of plays by Ellen McLaughlin contains simply the most beautiful, most exciting new takes on these ancient classics to come along in YEARS. The voice is both fresh and resonant with age, gritty and transcendent. Some are better than others, of course (My complete favorite is IPHIGENEIA AND OTHER DAUGHTERS), but each play is more than worth the read, and makes you itch to mount/play them. These plays are also an important resource for young women on their acting journey. I have given it as a gift to several of these actors who are trying to find their own strengths both as women and as artists, and the plays speak vividly to each of them. If you are a serious theatre artist -- whether in the performance profession or in the educational realm -- you should own this book.

She may not be able to read Greek and therefore the translation isn't her own but rather a collage and mash-up of other adaptations which makes these plays unique and thoroughly modern. Just what Greek Tragedy needed to bring it into the 21st century.