Production Language English
Country of Origin England, United Kingdom
Description From the celebrated Almeida Theater, "London's hottest theater company" (Newsweek), come two unforgettable stagings of Racine's greatest tragedies, Phèdre and Britannicus, performed in repertory starring Diana Rigg and Toby Stephens. These productions "provide a rare, enthralling exposure to Jean Racine, greatest of the classic French dramatists, and a stage world of sexual obsession and frustrated desires" (Evening Standard). Rarely performed in English, both plays are directed by Jonathan Kent and boast powerful new translations.
Racine's political thriller Britannicus "is a subtle account of the way private passion and political power intersect" (London Guardian) in ancient Rome. "This time it is Toby Stephens' turn to steal the limelight with his drawlingly arrogant, increasingly monstrous Nero" (Daily Telegraph). Kent's modern dress production "is a gripping study in political skullduggery. To have both Phèdre and Britannicus in repertory…is a minor miracle" (London Guardian).
Identifier 1999s.01697
