Jean Racine

Athalie

Biblical tragedy depicting Jewish queen Athaliah's defeat by rightful king

About the author

Jean Racine
Jean Racine

France's supreme tragedian, Racine distilled classical drama to its essence in plays of psychological intensity and perfect Alexandrine verse. His heroines in particular—Phèdre, Bérénice, Andromaque—are among the most compelling in all theater. He retired at 37 and returned to playwriting only once.

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