Elektra

In the courtyard of the palace of Mycenae, the servant girls comment on Electra’s behaviour since the death of her father. Only the youngest shows any trace of pity towards the princess. As every day, Electra invokes Agamemnon, remembers his murder and exults at the thought of vengeance. Chrysothemis, weary of a life where her femininity can find no fulfilment, warns her sister and urges her to flee before Clytemnestra and Aegisth throw her into a dungeon. On the approach of the queen, she takes her leave. Clytemnestra appears bedecked in jewels. She speaks to Electra of her search for a remedy to the nightmares that are haunting her nights. In muttered tones, Electra suggests a sacrifice in which the victim will be none other than Clytemnestra herself, killed by the hand of Orestes. The very mention of Orestes makes the queen tremble. Swept up in her own hatred, Electra predicts the queen’s demise by the very same axe that was used to kill Agamemnon. After a confidante whispers a few words in her ear, Clytemnestra goes back into the palace. A tearful Chrysothemis comes out and announces the death of Orestes, but Electra refuses to believe the news. Meanwhile, a servant demands a horse to ride out and inform Aegisth. Still determined, Electra decides to carry out the double crime with her sister. However, Chrysothemis, horrified, refuses and withdraws amid a barrage of Elektra’s curses. Resolute, Electra decides to act single‑handedly. While Electra looks for the axe, a stranger approaches. He tells her he must see Clytemnestra to bring her news of Orestes’ death. Pestered with questions, Electra tells the messenger her name. Faced with her evident pain, the stranger admits to her that Orestes is still alive. Several aged servants come and prostrate themselves at the feet of the young man, at which point Electra finally recognizes her brother. Their reunion – fuelled by a desire for vengeance – is interrupted by Orestes’ tutor. The hour has come and the two men enter the palace. Left alone, Electra, who was unable to give her brother the axe, champs at the bit like a captive beast. The silence is broken by a terrible cry from Clytemnestra. Electra calls on her brother to strike again. As the terrified servant girls flee, Aegisth arrives. Electra leads him into the palace where he in turn falls to Orestes. Chrysothemis appears and thanks the gods for Orestes’ return, but Electra can no longer hear. She begins to dance, then collapses and dies. Chrysothemis dashes towards the door calling Orestes’ name.