Troilus and Cressida
by William Shakespeare (1601/2)
Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida is one of the most philosophical works of the 17th-century. Its central idea - a study of human values - is powerfully focused in its central event: the war between the Greeks and Trojans over the abduction of the beautiful, legendary Helen.
The Greek camp is by turns wily, cynical, stupid and profound. Within the walls of Troy, the culture is defined by codes of honour and romantic chivalry. These two views of life are pitted against each other in a series of brilliantly argued scenes, throughout which the central character of Troilus is wrenched and divided, culminating in his bitter loss of Cressida to the Greeks.
Shakespeare personifies his arguments with the most extraordinary array of characters - a whole host of legendary Greek and Trojan heroes, re-invented in all-too-frail human form - and offers one of the finest ensemble pieces ever written.
Running time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Troilus and Cressida finished on: 24 July 1999
