Electra

by Sophocles
Electra cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Drama
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £4.99–£17.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4568
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780486157962
  • Publisher: Courier Corporation
  • Published: 2012-05-24
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Electra is a masterpiece of drama that delves into the complex emotions of revenge and justice. The story revolves around Electra, a daughter seeking vengeance for her father's murder, making her a towering figure in Greek tragedy. /n/n This play is renowned for its intense exploration of human nature and the consequences of unyielding vengeance. It showcases the timeless themes of family, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of retribution.

Reviews
HEC Media · 2025-10-21
moving 4.50

Electra is depicted as a lone figure lamenting her father and brother, highlighting her isolation and sorrow. The review emphasizes the emotional depth of the character.

This review from HEC Media focuses on the portrayal of Electra as a solitary figure, deeply mourning her father and brother. They highlight the emotional depth of the character and the poignant way in which her loneliness and sorrow are depicted. The reviewer appreciates how the production captures the essence of Electra's lament, making it a deeply moving and resonant experience. Overall, the review suggests that this production effectively conveys the emotional complexity of the character and the tragic nature of her story.

Quick quotes

    Sophocles' Elektra can be seen as one long lament by Elektra for her father, for her brother's absence, and for her own lonely and unloved life.

    The production captures the essence of Electra's lament, making it a deeply moving and resonant experience.

    This production effectively conveys the emotional complexity of the character and the tragic nature of her story.

The Guardian · Guardian Staff · 2025-01-13
insightful 4.00

The revival of Sophocles' classic reveals fresh truths about the bitter pursuit of justice. The performance brings a new perspective to the timeless tale.

The Guardian's review highlights how this revival of Electra, directed by Daniel Fish, brings a fresh and contemporary perspective to Sophocles' classic tragedy. They appreciate the way the production delves into the complex themes of justice and revenge, making the story feel relevant and impactful. The reviewer also praises the performances, noting that Brie Larson's portrayal of Electra is particularly compelling. Overall, the review suggests that this production is a must-see for anyone interested in classic Greek tragedy.

Quick quotes

    Sophocles' classic about the bitter pursuit of justice – now revived by Daniel Fish – reveals fresh truths each time.

    Brie Larson's portrayal of Electra is particularly compelling.

    The production delves into the complex themes of justice and revenge, making the story feel relevant and impactful.

The Guardian · Brian Logan · 2011-04-14
intense 3.50

The production is a punishing 70 minutes, but it stays true to the tragic essence of Sophocles' work. The adaptation by Nick Payne is praised for its intensity.

Brian Logan's review of the 2011 production of Electra, directed by Carrie Cracknell and adapted by Nick Payne, describes it as a punishing but powerful experience. They appreciate how the production stays true to the tragic essence of Sophocles' work, even if it is a challenging 70 minutes. The reviewer also highlights the strong performances and the effective use of dramatic tension, making it a memorable and impactful theatrical experience. Overall, the review suggests that this production is a faithful and intense adaptation of the classic tragedy.

Quick quotes

    And so say I to director Carrie Cracknell and adapter Nick Payne, who have made of Sophocles' tragedy a punishing 70 minutes in the theatre.

    The production stays true to the tragic essence of Sophocles' work.

    Strong performances and the effective use of dramatic tension make it a memorable and impactful theatrical experience.

Appears in Lists