Euripides

First produced in the 420s BC, Suppliant Women centres around the actions of Theseus, King of Athens, who is persuaded by the Chorus of bereaved mothers to attack Thebes in order to obtain burial for their sons. The range of the play's debate is astonishing. It contains one of the Ur-texts of political theory. It explores social and religious themes. It deals with the concept of a just war, with the family, and with the role and behaviour of women. Above all it sets before us the education of Theseus, showing us movingly how this great hero is transformed into a great man.