The Treason and Death of Benedict Arnold: A Play for a Greek Theatre

Set on the mist‑shrouded Hudson River at West Point, this dramatized retelling brings the ancient Greek chorus to life in a uniquely American tale. Father Hudson, a river‑god figure, watches the night watchmen grapple with uneasy premonitions, while the clouds and waves chant the pulse of the land and sky. The opening scene weaves poetic invocations with the stark tension of a frontier outpost, establishing a haunting atmosphere that hints at the betrayals to come.

Through vivid choral verses and striking stage directions, the play frames Benedict Arnold’s early doubts against a backdrop of natural forces and looming conflict. The dialogue balances mythic grandeur with the gritty realism of soldiers on guard, inviting listeners to feel the weight of history pressing on the river’s edge. As the first act unfolds, the audience is drawn into a world where personal ambition, loyalty, and the looming specter of treason begin to stir, setting the stage for the dramatic journey ahead.