RODOGUNA

As the first of a new series of 17th century French plays, Corneille’s favourite among his works is translated into authentic actable verse by John Edmunds, whose Phèdre was “very much admired” by Harold Pinter. Rodoguna is based on a historical Syrian queen whose lust for power turned her into a ruthless murderer. In the accompanying audio recording Siân Phillips gives the role a savage intensity recalling her Livia in I, Claudius. The tragedy has never been seen on the English stage, although still a favourite in France. The text is followed by notes and a scene-by-scene analysis of Corneille’s dramatic method.