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EPISODE · May 13, 2026 · 1H 16M

Alcestis - Euripides

from Alcestis · host Euripides

Alcestis is the earliest surviving play by Euripides. Alcestis, the devoted wife of King Admetus, has agreed to die in his place, and at the beginning of the play she is close to death. In the first scene, Apollo argues with Thanatos (Death), asking to prolong Alcestis' life, but Thanatos refuses. Apollo leaves, but suggests that a man will come to Pherae who will save Alcestis. Euripides' play is perhaps the most unusual Greek drama ever written: a tragedy that is not a tragedy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastAdmetus: ToddAlcestis/Chorus: Elizabeth KlettPheres: Bruce PirieLittle Boy: Lyn SilvaManservant: balaHandmaid: Arielle LipshawHeracles: mbApollo: Libby GohnThanatos: engineerdstChorus Leader: Caprisha PageNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett

What this episode covers

Alcestis is the earliest surviving play by Euripides. Alcestis, the devoted wife of King Admetus, has agreed to die in his place, and at the beginning of the play she is close to death. In the first scene, Apollo argues with Thanatos (Death), asking to prolong Alcestis' life, but Thanatos refuses. Apollo leaves, but suggests that a man will come to Pherae who will save Alcestis. Euripides' play is perhaps the most unusual Greek drama ever written: a tragedy that is not a tragedy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastAdmetus: ToddAlcestis/Chorus: Elizabeth KlettPheres: Bruce PirieLittle Boy: Lyn SilvaManservant: balaHandmaid: Arielle LipshawHeracles: mbApollo: Libby GohnThanatos: engineerdstChorus Leader: Caprisha PageNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett

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Alcestis - Euripides

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This episode is 1 hour and 16 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 13, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Alcestis is the earliest surviving play by Euripides. Alcestis, the devoted wife of King Admetus, has agreed to die in his place, and at the beginning of the play she is close to death. In the first scene, Apollo argues with Thanatos (Death), asking...

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