Iphigenia by Euripedes in an English version by Stephen Sharkey, The Arcola Sudio 2, 24 Ashwin Street, London E 8 | until 2 May 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

Photo credit: Ikin Yum

Iphigenia

by Euripedes in an English version by Stephen Sharkey

The Arcola Sudio 2, 24 Ashwin Street, London E 8 | until 2 May 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

“Enthralling & splendidly performed.”

Go for the performances of Simon Kunz as Agamemnon, Mithra Malek as Iphigenia and Indra Ove as Clytemnestra. Iphigenia was their daughter. Agamemnon, faced with the need to placate the goddess Artemis is forced to sacrifice her so that the Greek fleet heading for Troy which is becalmed can proceed. Sharkey and director Serdar Ellis take the background of that pointless war of antiquity – it was not inspired by love of Helen -  to include testimony of loss of children from today’s events in the Gulf. I am not sure that it works – for me at least - but it is for the audience to decide. The Iphigenia story is not the best known of the stories about the Trojan war and whether complicating it by the testimonies of today helps the story or creates a new story is debatable. But the ruthlessness of the global ruling elite - displayed here by Agamemnon and the rest of the Greeks, although only he features in this version - is certainly on display. The result is, however, a fascinating and enthralling evening with at its centre a terrific performance from Kunz as Agamemnon. He first appears as an actor setting the scene, moving the stage props around, confiding in the audience about the problems ahead before, the scene duly set, things begin and we get his Agamemnon, be-medalled, magnificent, discussing with his daughter what he wants her to do  and then confronting his wife, Clytemnestra, with what must happen. Malek's Iphigenia, torn between life and death, in doing what women must do - which is what men tell them and wanting to live - is very moving indeed, while Ove as a chilling Clytemnestra is every inch the woman who will in time take revenge. Visually it looks good – the wine dark sea which covers the floor is replaced by carpets as the story moves to a world in which the Greek fleet is becalmed – and musician Kalia Lyraki sets the mood of this world perfectly. The play holds the interest throughout is spite of one knowing Iphigenia will die as demanded by the goddess, by her father and the powers that rule the world in which she lives.

Cast

Simon Kunz – Agamemnon

Mithra Malek – Iphigenia

Indra Ove – Clytemnestra

Musician & Composer – Kalia Lyraki

Creatives

Director – Serdar Vilis

Set & Costume Designer – Mona Camille

Lighting Designer – Catia Hamilton

Sound & Video Designer – Enrico Aurigemma