I do love a good Greek play every now and again.

Greek plays are not just ordinary forms of entertainment. They are a window into the rich and diverse culture of ancient Greece.

The stories told in these plays often deal with profound themes such as love, honor, fate, and the human condition. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, making them relatable and engaging.

Watching a Greek play is like taking a journey back in time. You can experience the emotions and struggles of the characters as if you were right there with them. The beautiful language, the powerful acting, and the elaborate sets all contribute to creating a truly immersive experience.

Whether it's a tragedy like "Oedipus Rex" or a comedy like "Lysistrata," Greek plays have the ability to touch our hearts and make us think. They are a testament to the creativity and genius of the ancient Greeks and continue to be relevant and captivating today.

I look forward to every opportunity to enjoy a good Greek play and explore the wonders of this ancient art form.

It was a most fortunate wind indeed

That gently blew me to this very place. Here I stand, on the verge of departure

Half-ready to believe in a most extraordinary thing

That perhaps a trust that had been crippled by circumstances could somehow find the strength to walk again

And the half-true rhyme that lingers in my heart is none other than love.

Love, that mysterious and powerful force that has the ability to heal and transform

Even the most broken of trusts. As I look around this place, I am filled with a sense of hope

That maybe, just maybe, something wonderful could come of this unexpected turn of events.

Who knows what the future holds? But for now, I am content to let the wind of fate carry me forward

And see where it leads.

The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up
And hope and history rhyme.

The president-elect quoted from the next stanza, and this citation seemingly won him favor, at least among certain Irish organizations and a smitten columnist for the Guardian. However, I view this play more as a talisman rather than a monument. Perhaps my thoughts on Joe Biden are similar?

Sophocles issued a warning. His play, in the hands of Heaney, appears both smooth and catty. During the Trojan War, Philoctetes, armed with the very bow of Hercules, is a formidable force. But then he is bitten by a snake, and the suppurating wound is so repulsive that his compatriots abandon him on a desert island. Eventually, it is realized that his lethal skills are needed to break the stalemate, so Odysseus and Neoptolemus (son of Achilles) are dispatched to retrieve the warrior with the rotten foot. Odysseus anticipates that Philoctetes will not respond positively to appeals of patriotism or any plea or persuasion from him, as he was involved in the decision to maroon poor Philoctetes in the first place. Neoptolemus takes the lead and attempts to deceive the deserted archer. Friendship develops, but only until the ruse is uncovered. The conclusion seems almost snide, a reluctant acceptance of popular demand.

This story serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that even in the face of noble goals, we must be careful not to sacrifice our principles. It also shows the power of deception and the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships.

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: The Cure at Troy is Seamus Heaney's version of Sophocles' Philoctetes. Written in the fifth century BC, this play concerns the outcast hero, Philoctetes, marooned on Lemnos by the Greeks and forgotten until near the end of the Siege of Troy. Abandoned due to a wounded foot, he has an invincible bow without which the Greeks can't win. They must return to seek his support, exploring the conflict between personal integrity and political expediency.

Heaney's version is fast-paced and brilliant, ideal for the stage. He retains the majesty of the original while giving his verse an Irish flavor.

My Review: I'm reviewing and highly praising a playscript by a poet. The story of Philoctetes, an abandoned hero, speaks to many who feel left behind. Heaney presents this in a relatable way. Philoctetes is no saint; he's angry and clear-sighted about the world. The Problem of Evil is explored through his words. He's tormented by hope as Achilles' son tries to charm him into giving up his bow and arrows. Despite being the Greeks' only hope, Philoctetes initially refuses. But then, Achilles' son shows his true character and Herakles arrives to speak for the Greeks. Philoctetes realizes his wounds will only heal when he embraces his destiny. He accepts his burdens, experiences his emotions, and defies fate by embracing his destiny. In the end, we are left with a sense of hope and the power of love. Exeunt omnes.

I absolutely adored this play.

There is an element of excitement in reading a completely novel Greek tragedy and having an experience that even most Greeks who witnessed the tragedy for the very first time did not possess, namely a hint of suspense regarding how it would actually conclude.

I was unaware of the story of Odysseus taking Achilles’ son Neoptolemus to retrieve the wounded Philoctetes from an island as it was prophesied that his return to Troy was necessary for the Greeks to emerge victorious in the war.

Furthermore, the play itself contains very little foreshadowing that reveals the outcome.

The play appears to be among the more psychologically astute and realistic of the Greek tragedies.

Odysseus effectively coerces the younger and less experienced Neoptolemus into deceiving Philoctetes (Odysseus’s trickery is depicted as dishonorable in contrast to the more honest and straightforward use of force).

The success of the lie makes Neoptolemus feel guilty and leads him to retract.

In what can arguably be considered a weak resolution, literally a deus ex machina, Heracles arrives and persuades Philoctetes to actually go to Troy so that Odysseus and Neoptolemus ultimately get their way not through cunning or force but through divine intervention and inevitability.

I truly relished the Seamus Heaney translation.

It mostly seems like a straightforward translation (although I did not compare it to more meticulous translators), but towards the end, he incorporated some contemporary references, including to hunger strikers, which effectively (albeit slightly datedly) emphasized the contemporary relevance of the play.

My new favorite adaption/translation of one of my favorite Greek Dramas!

This particular version has truly captured my attention and imagination. The way the story has been reimagined and presented is simply outstanding.

The adaption/translation manages to stay true to the essence of the original Greek Drama while also adding a fresh and modern perspective. It brings the characters to life in a whole new way, making them more relatable and engaging.

The language used is both beautiful and accessible, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story. I find myself constantly drawn back to this adaption/translation, eager to explore the depths of the plot and the emotions of the characters.

It has become a source of inspiration and entertainment for me, and I can't wait to share it with others. I highly recommend this adaption/translation to anyone who has an interest in Greek Dramas or enjoys a good story.

This is a book that I can clearly recognize as being well-crafted.

However, my enjoyment of it was only to a certain extent, and I didn't necessarily find it to be especially revelatory.

Nonetheless, its famous passage really stood out to me and seemed to leap right off the page.

In addition, I was able to identify several moments within the book that I rather enjoyed.

These moments added a certain charm and interest to the reading experience.

Overall, while the book may not have been a life-changing or earth-shattering read for me, it did have its redeeming qualities and moments that made it worth the time spent reading.

Perhaps with a second reading, I might discover even more that I had missed the first time around and gain a deeper appreciation for its craftsmanship and content.

There is a certain kind of courage and dignity that exists within ordinary people, and it has the potential to be truly breathtaking. This is precisely what Neoptolemus (Achilles' son) remarks when he shamefacedly returns Hercules' bow to the stricken Philoctetes. This sad sidebar to 'The Iliad' vividly showcases the cruel fortunes of war and the depths of isolation to the utmost degree.

Heaney's script is not only angry but also powerfully evocative. It has the ability to linger long in the memory, especially after Biden's use of the play in his Presidential campaign. The words and the emotions they convey have a lasting impact, making us reflect on the human condition and the various aspects of life that are often overlooked or taken for granted.

Whether it is the courage of an ordinary person in the face of adversity or the dignity that is maintained even in the most difficult of circumstances, these are qualities that deserve our attention and admiration. Heaney's work serves as a reminder of the power of literature and the profound insights it can offer into the human experience.

An excellent translation indeed!

It truly showcases the skills and expertise of the translator. However, I find it rather difficult to envision Odysseus, that great and heroic figure from ancient mythology, uttering the phrase "shilly-shally" in any conceivable context.

Odysseus is known for his strength, courage, and cunning. His words are usually filled with determination and purpose. The term "shilly-shally" seems too light-hearted and indecisive for a character of his caliber.

Perhaps in the original text, there was a more appropriate expression that conveyed a similar meaning but was more in line with Odysseus' personality. Nevertheless, this translation does a remarkable job overall, and we should appreciate the effort that went into it.

I read this today on the train and was truly transported by the opening stage direction (A sea shore. Spacious fetch of sea light…) to the beautiful island of Lemnos. The language in this piece is absolutely crystalline, like precious gems shining bright. The simple story and ethical sophistication of Sophocles' award-winning work (first prize at the festival of Dionysus in 409 BC, apparently) have been rendered sublimely by the poet.

I have a deep love for Greek drama. It's not so much because it's 'timeless' but rather because it presents a particular time, place, and culture with extraordinary vividness and depth. It throws into sharp relief how people in that era related to the great problems of their lives.

Heaney uses the chorus in a brilliant way to create an intimacy between the text and the audience. The lines (For my part is the chorus, and the chorus/Is more or less a borderline between/The you and the me and the it of it) show this connection. He even uses hints of modernity and anachronism (The police widow in veils/Faints at the funeral home), which adds an interesting twist. The chorus also has a significant role in the narrative, making their mediation more effective.

Neoptolemus is a young and principled character. We see him learn through trial and error, guided by his moral courage and conscience. Over the course of the brief play, he gains wisdom and confidence. Odysseus, on the other hand, comes across as a particularly rule-bound pragmatist. For him, morality means doing the gods' bidding by any means necessary. His patronizing manner towards the perceptive and thoughtful Neoptolemus can be quite comical at times.

Philoctetes himself, wounded and still in agony, is a profound study in trauma. Although he has his own personal moral code, his personality has been fractured and distorted by injury and pain. He resists the obviously favorable course of action that would lead to the healing of his body. This is not only out of bitterness towards those who abandoned him but also out of fear of changing from the trauma-bound way of being in which he has been trapped. This is a common reaction.

His journey through the drama, aided by Neoptolemus (whose physical, spiritual, and psychological help mirror each other), is the essential thread of the story. It makes for a capricious and unpredictable ride. When Hercules speaks to Philoctetes through the chorus, I felt it was only because his interaction with Neoptolemus had healed his mind enough for him to accept the message, thus putting human intervention before the divine.

I just read this play for the first time and was completely enamored by it. And for those who might have any doubts that Seamus Heaney is truly a remarkable figure, consider these words:

"Human beings suffer. They engage in the act of torturing one another. They get hurt and in turn, become hard. No poem, play, or song can fully make right a wrong that has been inflicted and endured."

The words continue, "History says, 'Don't hope on this side of the grave.' But then, once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme."

So, we are urged to "hope for a great sea-change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore is reachable from here. Believe in miracles, and cures and healing wells." These powerful lines from Seamus Heaney's work truly capture the essence of the human condition and the glimmer of hope that persists even in the face of great adversity.

“O, how many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in't!” - The Tempest

I am a die-hard fan of Seamus Heaney, having been so for most of my life. This is a book I've known about for a while but have never seen it on sale. For some reason, buying it on Amazon simply didn't cross my mind. However, every time I step into a Waterstones these days, I see this book. It has been given another push and reprint, with Faber and Faber releasing a new edition just last January. It's a great time for a reprint of this book, in more ways than one. Not least because it means that this play is now wrapped in the more modern (and frankly more attractive) thick-paper editions.

I've always been extremely interested in Classics. Greek drama and Roman poetry are two things I have a huge passion for. But Sophocles' play Φιλοκτήτης is one of the plays I'm not familiar with. That's not to say I don't know Sophocles - I think it was Nietzsche in The Birth of Tragedy who wrote that Sophocles was the one to add greater psychological depth to his characters (compared to Aeschylus). This is very evident in Seamus Heaney's translation of the play. The characters often feel like they have their own individual minds, and at times it feels like actual speech that has been recorded rather than a play written to be performed by actors. This is the sign of a great playwright, the authenticity of feeling and observation that is unmistakable and necessary for making the action and plot feel immediate and important, and so captivating for an audience. This is why depth of character is crucial in every story-telling medium. The characters in this play are fully realized and are themselves dangerously intelligent.

The play is a conflict between two men, Odysseus and Philoctetes. The two men cannot share the stage together without killing each other due to their personal histories. Neoptolemus is Odysseus' friend and son of Achilleas, and he acts as the middle man between Odysseus and Philoctetes - and his loyalty between the two men fluctuates throughout the play. It's not hard to sympathize with Philoctetes and how he was treated by Odysseus during the initial voyage to Troy, and Philoctetes does sympathize. However, this forms a symbolic contrast that is at the heart of the play. Philoctetes is the symbol for the individual's needs, while Odysseus (always emphasizing the importance of the army and the war) is a symbol for the larger group, and thus of larger society. With this established and in mind, the play not only becomes an interesting conflict between two very strong and intelligent personalities, but it also becomes a conflict between two ideological positions. Considering everything going on in the current political situation, the reprint of this play is extremely timely. Perhaps this means that it has always been timely, as it is one of the eternal questions posed by human civilization?

This is underlined even further with this plot apparently being resolved prematurely. Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are agreeing to abandon Odysseus and Troy and return to Greece as traitors to the cause. They may be damned by'society' and Odysseus, but at least they are free and making their own decisions, and the play could end there - but it doesn't. It ends with the Chorus being possessed by the spirit of Heracles, who then commands Philoctetes to join the Trojan war while being promised that he would be considered a hero and his wound that caused him to be left on Lemnos healed. Philoctetes agrees to this without reserve, and then the play ends. This is an interesting ending, and the sudden shift raises even more questions. Is this really justice? Philoctetes really suffered for ten years on Lemnos alone, and simply healing his wound is not going to cure him of his mistrust of society. There might also be something sinister in the way the gods can command human beings like Philoctetes, but at the same time Greek Tragedy (such as Oedipus Tyrannus) was always grappling with the distinction between fate and free will, as humans have been ever since. We are being invited to question what, if any, balance can be found here, and it too is surely one of the great questions of life.

So far I have emphasized the quality of the play itself, the structure and the philosophical questions this play poses for us. But this is, of course, a translation, and a translation by Seamus Heaney.

Compared to Heaney's other translations I've read and am familiar with, Beowulf and Burial at Thebes (his translation of Antigoni, also by Sophocles), this is by far my favorite. Beowulf is beautiful as a poem, and I love it, but it's far from the most accurate translation possible. While Burial at Thebes, whenever I've read it, I've for some reason found it lacking compared to the Robert Fagles' translation. This play, however, uses Heaney's talents to perfectly complement the story. It has some outstanding individual lines and quotations from it that feel like they belong in the play, and are not just there to be quoted. The effect of many, and I don't know if this is in the original play, is to suggest that poetry is a way of exposing truth. This is very Seamus Heaney, who of course was rather invested in poetry, but in a sense this is true of the play - with the religious ending and the gods changing the actions of men. This play could also feed into, and be answered by, the staggeringly genius ending of The Oresteia by Aeschylus, where the union of god and men is formed in a court of law - creating a way for man to in a sense become gods. The effect, then, is of synthesis rather than victory, which is perhaps the most mature way to settle such disputes like the one found here in this play.

With this, the last lines of The Cure at Troy seem so beautifully perfect:

'Now it’s high watermark And floodtide in the heart And time to go. The sea-nymphs in the spray Will be the chorus now. What’s left to say?

Suspect too much sweet-talk But never close your mind. It was a fortunate wind That blew me here. I leave Half-ready to believe That a crippled trust might walk

And the half-true rhyme is love.'