Phaedra

by Jean Racine

"Phaedra" by Jean Racine is a French dramatic tragedy written in 1677. Set in ancient Greece, it explores forbidden passion when Queen Phaedra conceals her consuming love for her stepson Hippolytus during her husband Theseus's absence. When news arrives that Theseus may be dead, secrets begin to unravel with devastating consequences. As desires collide with duty and accusations fly, the play hurtles toward a catastrophic conclusion driven by jealousy, misunderstanding, and an invoked divine curse that no one can escape.