Iphigenia in Aulis, the Einhorn Translation

Poster image I drew for the show.

New York playwright, stage director, and author Edward Einhorn is a friend of mine and a collaborator. I illustrated two of his children's books (Paradox in Oz and The Living House of Oz). We also worked together on a project closely related to Age of Bronze.

Several years ago Edward and I were discussing the Greek tragedy by Euripides Iphigenia in Aulis. I'd used the play in Age of Bronze as a major source for the "Sacrifice of Iphigenia" episode, as seen in volume 2, Sacrifice. Edward had previously translated Aristophanes's Greek comedy Lysistrata and was considering translating more Greek drama. Our discussion got him interested in Iphigenia in Aulis.


In 2013 the theater company of which Edward is artistic director, Untitled Theater Company #61, produced Edward's translation of Iphigenia in Aulis. Edward directed it, too, and wanted me to be part of the show. In a nod to the tradition of classical Greek theatre, the actors wore masks--masks based upon my character designs for Age of Bronze. Panels from Age of Bronze were used in the scenery for the show. And Edward asked me to design the advertising poster for the show, an image of the Mask of Agamemnon eclipsing Iphigenia.

Recently Edward Einhorn's English translation of Euripides's Iphigenia in Aulis was made available for digital download. You can access that by clicking here. You may read the script for free. Payments are
due for performance.

I saw the show during its New York run and enjoyed it very much. Unlike many contemporary productions of Greek drama, the chorus actually sang rather than simply reciting their lines. The rock score by Aldo Perez is dramatic and affecting. This play has as much power today as when it first wowed audiences in 405 BCE.

Copyright © 2016 Eric Shanower. All rights reserved.