Oresteia: The Greek Comedy Trilogy

The Oresteia is a trilogy of Greek plays written by the ancient playwright Aeschylus, consisting of Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides. The plays tell the story of Agamemnon’s homecoming from the Trojan War, his wife Clytemnestra’s revenge for his sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia, and their son Orestes’ quest for revenge on his mother.

While the Greek tragedians were oftentimes serious and somber in their works, Aeschylus decided to take a more comedic approach with the Oresteia. Through witty dialogue and over-the-top characters, Aeschylus managed to turn this tragic tale into a laugh-out-loud comedy.

In Agamemnon, we meet the play’s titular character who is often described as a “manly man” with a big ego. He struts around the stage in his flashy war garb, completely unaware of his wife’s scheming behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Clytemnestra is a master manipulator, always one step ahead of Agamemnon and his dimwitted advisors.

The Libation Bearers introduces us to Orestes, a bumbling buffoon with a heart of gold. He spends most of the play stumbling around in a drunken haze, trying to find the courage to avenge his sister’s death. And of course, no Greek play would be complete without a chorus of singing women, in this case the libation bearers who spend most of their time singing catchy tunes and gossiping about the goings-on in the palace.

Finally, in The Eumenides, Orestes faces his biggest challenge yet when he is put on trial for murdering his mother. The play’s courtroom scene is the stuff of legend, with the frenzied Furies acting as both judges and jurors. But with the help of the goddess Athena, Orestes manages to outsmart the Furies and come out on top.

Overall, the Oresteia is a hilarious romp through ancient Greece, with enough wit and humor to keep even the most stoic of audiences entertained. And who knows, maybe one day Aeschylus’ comedic genius will finally get the recognition it deserves.