
The Return of Alcestis: A Play in One Act: by Laurence Housman
THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
In this compact one‑act drama, the palace of King Admetus buzzes with preparations for a joyous wedding, yet the air is charged with a miracle. A divine messenger announces that Alcestis, the queen who sacrificed herself to spare her husband, has been brought back from the underworld by heroic forces. As the nurse unfurls the bridal robes, the audience is invited to share the astonishment of a love that defies death.
The play weaves lyrical choral passages with intimate dialogue, letting the chorus of women and men echo the timeless rhythm of renewal. Through vivid imagery and gentle humor, it explores themes of loyalty, the fragile boundary between life and loss, and the hope that the gods may grant a second chance. Listeners will be drawn into a richly imagined ancient world where tragedy and celebration intersect in a single, hopeful moment.
Language
en
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Release date
2025-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1959
Known for moving easily between art, theatre, and activism, this English writer and illustrator brought both imagination and conviction to his work. He is especially remembered for historical plays such as Victoria Regina and for his energetic support of women’s suffrage.
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