REVIEW: IPHIGENIA by Euripides at Arcola Theatre 10 April – 2 May 2026

“A compelling modern take on Euripides’ late play.” ★★★ ½

Euripides’ tale of war and an older generation sacrificing a younger one; of parents, specifically fathers, prioritising conflict over their own children, sadly remains as relevant as ever. On the eve of the Trojan War, Agamemnon, king and commander, is weak as only a fearsome warrior can be. Early on we realise he is presented with a terrible dilemma – sacrifice his beloved daughter Iphigenia to appease the goddess Artemis in order to give his fleet a fair wind for battle, or face munity and chaos.

In adaptor and director Serdar Biliş’ version we see Agamemnon (played by turns with compassion and fury by Simon Kunz) as a loving father faced with a dreadful choice. But he is also a man who doesn’t seem to spend too much time in making his decision or ever seriously consider choosing family over war. Through the medium of video we also hear real life testimonies of daughters reflecting on their fathers, initially affectionately but their recollections take a darker turn in an effective use of footage.   

Mithra Malek is strong in the title role. Naively joining her father for what she thinks is her wedding, her terrible fate only gradually dawns on her.  Indra Ové as Clytemnestra, Iphigenia’s mother, provides the moral core of the play, confronting her husband about the full horror of his actions. But ultimately the characters are locked into their fates.  

Biliş’ direction ranges from the playful breaking of the fourth wall in the beginning to incorporating the video testimonies, but doesn’t lose its focus on the tragedy. Kalia Lyraki’s mournful songs add pathos. A compelling modern take on Euripides’ late play.

Playing at the Arcola theatre until 2 May: https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/iphigenia/

IPHIGENIA by Euripides, English version by Stephen Sharkey, adapted and directed by Serdar Biliş 

Production images: Ikin Yum