A gripping, morally charged history of power and shadowed fate, Demetrius offers a historic tragedy in a refined classical form that still speaks with contemporary force.
From the halls of Muscovite Russia to the corridors of European theatre, this drama unfolds through political power struggles, usurpation and legitimacy, and the fraught question of identity. Schiller's composition-rooted in classical play form and echoing Shakespearean tragedy parallels-invites both lay readers and seasoned theatre historians to witness a pivotal moment in early modern Europe. The tension between ambition and lineage, public duty and personal conscience, is rendered with clarity, verve, and a reverent eye for dramatic structure.
Alpha Editions restores this work for today's and future generations, preserving its beloved language while ensuring its resonance endures. Demetrius is not merely a reprint; it is a collector's item and a cultural treasure, a tangible bridge connecting Goethe and Schiller's audiences with a European theatre classic that still speaks to our times. It will captivate classical literature students seeking robust contextual reading, and casual readers drawn to powerful storytelling with historical depth.
This edition invites readers to explore a world where fate and politics collide, where the past casts long shadows, and where a seemingly timeless question-who governs whom-remains intensely relevant. A worthy addition to any serious library.
