Hecuba (West play)

Hecuba is a play by Marina Carr, inspired by Euripides' Hecuba. It is a modern adaptation of the Greek tragedy, exploring themes of revenge, grief, and the brutal consequences of war. The play centers on Hecuba, the former Queen of Troy, after the city has fallen to the Greeks.

Carr's Hecuba delves into the psychological torment Hecuba experiences as she witnesses the deaths of her children, particularly Polyxena, sacrificed to appease the ghost of Achilles, and Polydorus, murdered for his gold. The play examines the transformation of a queen into a vengeful figure, driven by the desire to avenge her family's suffering.

While staying true to the core narrative of Euripides' work, Carr's adaptation often incorporates contemporary language and sensibilities, making the ancient story resonate with modern audiences. The play often emphasizes the dehumanizing aspects of war and the cyclical nature of violence, highlighting how victims can become perpetrators in their quest for justice.