Girl on an Altar

Girl on an Altar is a powerful drama by Marina Carr that explores the aftermath of Agamemnon's sacrifice of their daughter, Clytemnestra. The production opened at the Kiln Theatre in London in May 2022 and transferred to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in July 2023. Carr's adaptation brings Clytemnestra's story to the fore and asks if it is possible to forgive the unforgivable. The play is praised for its mesmerisingly compelling language and oral splendour, with the Evening Standard describing it as "cool and deadly" and the Guardian as "Homeric in its vivid detail and oral splendour."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A night filled with darkness and an eerie atmosphere. The air is heavy with an unsettling sense of evil and danger. Amidst this unsettling scene, a group of individuals gather, their celebrations shrouded in mystery. Clytemnestra's world is shattered when her husband, Agamemnon, sacrifices their daughter in the name of war. Ten years pass, and the couple is reunited, but their reunion is marked by a dangerous battle fueled by love, grief, and power.

Marina Carr's adaptation of the infamous Greek myth brings Clytemnestra's story to the forefront, challenging the notion of forgiveness for the unforgivable. In a moment of vulnerability, he turns to me, his eyes filled with wine and sentimentality. He expresses his desire to regain my good opinion, willing to do anything to earn it.

"Girl on an Altar" premiered at the Kiln Theatre in London in May 2022, and later transferred to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in July 2023. The production has received widespread acclaim, with critics describing it as mesmerizingly compelling. Carr's words, even in their bleakest moments, are a delight to hear, showcasing her exceptional writing skills. The Evening Standard praises the production for its coolness and deadly intensity, comparing it to Homeric poetry in its vivid detail and oral splendour. The Guardian also praises Carr's work, describing it as bracingly good and highlighting the oral tradition that underpins the story.

"Girl on an Altar" explores the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of power, and the search for redemption. Through Clytemnestra's journey, the production asks viewers to consider the nature of forgiveness and the price we may pay for our actions. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of ancient Greece's most iconic myths, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless tale.

Weight: 95g
Dimension: 200 x 120 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571378753
Edition number: Main