Andromaque - Classic Text | Alexandria
Andromaque (1667), Jean Racine's first masterpiece and third tragedy, stands as a cornerstone of French classical theater, marking a pivotal moment in dramatic literature where ancient mythology confronts human psychology with unprecedented depth. This five-act tragedy, written in alexandrine verse, reimagines the aftermath of the Trojan War through the lens of four interconnected characters, each trapped in an impossible chain of unrequited love and political obligation.
First performed at the Hôtel de Bourgogne on November 17, 1667, Andromaque emerged during the early reign of Louis XIV, when French classical theater was reaching its zenith. Racine drew inspiration from Euripides' Andromache and Virgil's Aeneid, yet transformed these ancient sources into a distinctly modern psychological drama. The play's premiere, attended by members of the French court, immediately established Racine as a worthy rival to the established playwright Pierre Corneille, igniting a literary debate that would define French theater for decades.
The tragedy's innovative treatment of its characters – Andromaque (Hector's widow), Pyrrhus (her captor), Hermione (Pyrrhus's betrothed), and Oreste (Hermione's would-be lover) – revolutionized classical theater by emphasizing psychological complexity over heroic action. Racine's masterful exploration of passion, duty, and violence resonated deeply with 17th-century audiences while anticipating modern psychological drama. The play's famous "double triangle" of unrequited love created a template for exploring human desire that continues to influence literature and drama.
Andromaque's legacy extends far beyond its initial success, inspiring numerous adaptations across various media, including operas by Grétry (1780) and Rossini (1819). Contemporary productions continue to find relevant parallels between the play's themes and modern political and social conflicts, particularly in its exploration of post-war trauma and the cycle of violence. The work's enduring power lies in its ability to render timeless human struggles through crystalline verse, prompting each generation to question how personal desires intersect with political responsibilities, and whether true freedom from the past is ever possible.