Iphigenia in Tauris (Goethe)

"Sir Thomas More-Anthony Munday" delves into the life and legacy of Sir Thomas More, a pivotal figure in English history known for his unwavering faith and moral integrity. This audiobook invites listeners to explore themes of conviction, justice, and the struggle between personal beliefs and societal pressures. More's story is a timeless reflection on the importance of standing firm in one's prin...

Pillars of Society by Henrik Ibsen delves into the complexities of social structures and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within them. This powerful play critiques the hypocrisy and corruption that can underpin societal norms, making it a timeless exploration of human integrity and the pursuit of truth. Its themes of personal responsibility and the struggle against societal expectations res...

Athaliah by Jean Racine is a powerful exploration of themes such as faith, power, and the struggle between personal conviction and societal obligation. This tragic play delves into the complexities of leadership and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, making it a timeless reflection on the human condition. Racine's masterful language and dramatic intensity resonate with audiences today, in...

"Hercules" by Thomas Broughton, set to the stirring music of Georg Friedrich Händel, is a powerful exploration of heroism, sacrifice, and the complexities of human emotion. This timeless piece delves into the struggles faced by its titular character, showcasing the enduring themes of strength in adversity and the quest for redemption. The emotional depth and dramatic intensity resonate profoundly,...

"Exiles" by James Joyce delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, capturing the struggles of its characters as they navigate the intricacies of their emotional lives. This powerful exploration of loyalty and the consequences of choice resonates strongly today, as individuals continue to grapple with the challenges of trust and connection in an increasingly...

"Caliban by the Yellow Sands" by Percy MacKaye explores the enduring themes of identity, power, and the struggle for freedom through the lens of its titular character, Caliban. This work invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the impact of colonization, making it a relevant exploration of personal and societal conflicts that resonate today. MacKaye's poetic language a...

"First Part of King Henry IV" by William Shakespeare is a compelling exploration of honor, rebellion, and the complexities of leadership set against the backdrop of England's tumultuous political landscape. This classic play delves into the struggles of Prince Hal as he navigates his relationships with his father, King Henry IV, and the roguish Sir John Falstaff, highlighting themes of identity an...

"There are Crimes and Crimes" by August Strindberg delves into the complexities of morality and justice, exploring the nuanced nature of human actions and their consequences. This thought-provoking work prompts listeners to reflect on the varying perceptions of crime and the societal constructs that shape them. Strindberg's insights into the darker aspects of human behavior remain relevant today,...

"Christmas Carol The Miser's Warning" by Charles Zachary Barnett offers a poignant reminder of the consequences of greed and the importance of generosity. This timeless tale invites listeners to reflect on the value of compassion and the spirit of giving, themes that resonate deeply during the holiday season and beyond. As we navigate a world often overshadowed by materialism, Barnett's narrative...

Touch and Go by D. H. Lawrence explores the complexities of human relationships and the intricate dance of emotional connection. With its poignant reflections on intimacy and the fleeting nature of life, this work resonates deeply in a world where genuine connections often feel elusive. Lawrence's keen observations on the human condition invite listeners to reflect on their own interactions and th...

"Birth of Merlin: The Childe Hath Found His Father" is a fascinating exploration of identity and destiny, co-authored by William Rowley and William Shakespeare. This play delves into the themes of lineage and the quest for self-discovery, as it reveals the profound connection between a child and his father. Its enduring relevance lies in the universal struggle for understanding one's place in the...

Lucian's Dialogues Volume 4, titled "Zeus the Tragedian," presents a thought-provoking exploration of themes central to human experience through the lens of satire and philosophical discourse. Lucian of Samosata deftly intertwines humor with serious reflections on the nature of divinity and the human condition, making this work a timeless commentary on the absurdities of life and the follies of ma...

"Camp of Wallenstein," by Friedrich Schiller, delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and the human condition during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War. This compelling drama explores the inner struggles of its characters as they navigate the treacherous waters of ambition and betrayal. Schiller’s masterful portrayal of conflict and moral dilemmas remains relevant today, inviting listeners t...

"Ring of the Niblung" by Richard Wagner is a monumental work that delves into themes of power, fate, and the human condition through a rich tapestry of music and myth. This operatic cycle, inspired by ancient legends, explores the struggles of gods and mortals alike, revealing the timeless conflicts that shape our existence. Its profound emotional depth and intricate characterizations resonate wit...

"Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen delves into the complexities of family, morality, and the haunting consequences of past choices. This powerful play explores the struggle between societal expectations and personal truth, revealing how hidden secrets can shape lives and relationships. Its themes of inherited guilt and the quest for redemption remain profoundly relevant today, prompting listeners to reflect...

"King Henry IV, Part 1" by William Shakespeare delves into the complexities of leadership, honor, and the struggle for power within the backdrop of a divided England. As the young Prince Hal grapples with his identity and responsibilities, the play explores themes of rebellion and the transition from youth to maturity. Shakespeare's masterful portrayal of political intrigue and personal conflict r...

"Life is a Dream," a profound work by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, delves into the nature of reality and illusion, exploring the philosophical question of whether life is truly a dream. This timeless play invites listeners to reflect on themes of free will, fate, and the human condition, resonating with audiences across generations. Its exploration of identity and the quest for meaning remains rele...

"Bernice-Susan Glaspell" delves into the complexities of identity and the human experience through a lens that remains relevant today. The exploration of personal struggles and societal expectations resonates with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the timeless nature of these themes. Glaspell's work encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the roles they inhabit, making it a th...

"Flying Dutchman" by Richard Wagner is a compelling exploration of themes such as redemption, longing, and the eternal struggle against fate. This iconic opera tells the story of a cursed sea captain doomed to sail the oceans for eternity, seeking solace and salvation through love. Its haunting melodies and profound emotional depth resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the universal quest...

Old Scrooge by Charles Augustus Scott captures the timeless essence of transformation and redemption through the iconic character of Scrooge. This classic tale delves into themes of generosity, the spirit of Christmas, and the impact of personal change, making it an enduring story that resonates across generations. The narrative invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the importance of...

A dramatised version of the Classical Greek legend of Iphigenia in Tauris by the German poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A more detailed introduction to this play can be found here. (Summary by Alan Mapstone) Cast List Iphigenia: WendyKatzHiller Thoas: Brian Fullen Orestes: Barty Begley Pylades: Larry Wilson Arkas: Greg Giordano Narrator/Editor: Alan Mapstone