LibriVox » Alcestis by Euripides

LibriVox recordings are Public Domain in the USA. If you are not in the USA, please verify the copyright status of these works in your own country before downloading, otherwise you may be violating copyright laws.

If you have troubles downloading files, please try again later. Technical problems usually resolve themselves quickly. If the problem lasts longer than 24hrs, please contact us.

« Catalog Index

Alcestis

by Euripides (480-406 BC)
Translated by Gilbert Murray (1866-1957)

Alcestis is the earliest surviving play by Euripides. Alcestis, the devoted wife of King Admetus, has agreed to die in his place, and at the beginning of the play she is close to death. In the first scene, Apollo argues with Thanatos (Death), asking to prolong Alcestis' life, but Thanatos refuses. Apollo leaves, but suggests that a man will come to Pherae who will save Alcestis. Euripides' play is perhaps the most unusual Greek drama ever written: a tragedy that is not a tragedy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Cast
Admetus: Todd
Alcestis/Chorus: Elizabeth Klett
Pheres: Bruce Pirie
Little Boy: Lyn Silva
Manservant: bala
Handmaid: Arielle Lipshaw
Heracles: mb
Apollo: Libby Gohn
Thanatos: engineerdst
Chorus Leader: Caprisha Page
Narrator: David Lawrence

Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett