Iphigenia in Aulis at Getty Villa Museum

This September, the Getty Museum and Chicago-based Court Theatre present Euripides’ Iphigenia in Aulis, the twelfth annual outdoor theatrical production in the Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater at the Getty Villa. Directed by Charles Newell, artistic director of Court Theatre, and translated by Nicholas Rudall, founding artistic director of Court Theatre, Iphigenia in Aulis was first presented in 2014 at Court Theatre in Chicago and will be reimagined for the Getty’s production.

In Euripides’ ancient tale of power and sacrifice, the Greek army lies stagnant on the shores of Aulis and King Agamemnon is faced with a heart-wrenching decision. In return for the winds that would carry his army to victory over Troy, the goddess Artemis has demanded the unthinkable: the sacrifice of the king’s own daughter, Iphigenia.

The Getty Villa's annual outdoor theater production is part of an innovative year-round theater program that enhances visitors’ experience of the ancient world. Live performances of classical drama offer insight into the social, cultural, and political realities of life in ancient Greece and Rome. In the galleries, the works of art deepen the connection between modern audiences and the mythical stories underlying the tragedies and comedies on stage.