Tragedy of Phaedra by Jean Racine

The tragic tale of Phaedra unfolds as she struggles with her forbidden love for her stepson Hippolytus, fighting against her overwhelming desires. When she receives the false news of her husband Theseus's death, she confesses her love to a horrified Hippolytus, who is in love with another, Ariadne. This misunderstanding sets in motion the events of tragedy, intricately detailed in both Euripides's 'Hippolytus' and as adapted by Seneca. Racine's poignant adaptation captures the essence of human passion, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of unfulfilled love, showcasing the complexities of familial ties and moral dilemmas that echo through time.