Pericles - Classic Text | Alexandria
Pericles, a play attributed in part to William Shakespeare, is a theatrical enigma: a sweeping, episodic journey across the ancient Mediterranean, fraught with peril, loss, and miraculous reunion. Often dismissed or approached with caution due to its uneven verse and debated authorship, Pericles, Prince of Tyre challenges us to consider what truly constitutes a Shakespearean play. Was it solely crafted by the Bard himself, or a collaboration shaped by multiple hands and theatrical exigencies?
The earliest documented performance of Pericles dates back to 1609, recorded in the Stationers' Register. Its inclusion in the Second Folio of Shakespeare's plays in 1664 cemented, albeit controversially, its place within the canon. The era in which it emerged -- a time of burgeoning maritime exploration and widespread anxieties concerning morality and legitimacy—invites us to consider how the play’s thematic preoccupations reflected the socio-political landscape of Jacobean England.
Over the centuries, Pericles has undergone numerous transformations and reinterpretations. Early critics often focused on excising portions deemed inferior, attributed to the lesser-known playwright George Wilkins. However, modern scholarship increasingly champions the play’s structural complexities and unconventional narrative arc. The introduction of the Chorus figure of Gower, serving as both narrator and moral compass, has intrigued scholars, raising questions about the play’s intended audience and its engagement with morality plays of earlier eras. Is Pericles a simple adventure story, or a deeper exploration of themes such as incest, abandonment, and the possibility of redemption?
The enduring allure of Pericles lies in its potent blend of fantastical elements and visceral human experience. Its tale of a prince beset by tragedy, a daughter lost and miraculously found, and a queen presumed dead but ultimately resurrected, resonates with timeless myths and archetypes. Even today, the play's exploration of trauma, the importance of family, and the regenerative power of hope speak powerfully to contemporary audiences. But what truly awaits those who dare to embark upon Pericles' long and winding voyage? Are they prepared to believe in miracles?