Ptolemy Epiphanes

[One-Act] In 184 B.C., a group of native Egyptians are in revolt against their dictatorial Greek ruler, Ptolemy V Epiphanes. As Ptolemy struggles to crush the rebels, as well as a disturbing memory that threatens to surface from his own unconscious, his wife Cleopatra Syra struggles to reconcile her loyalty to him with her misgivings about his despotism. Meanwhile, Meribast, a native Egyptian woman fighting to...
[One-Act] In 184 B.C., a group of native Egyptians are in revolt against their dictatorial Greek ruler, Ptolemy V Epiphanes. As Ptolemy struggles to crush the rebels, as well as a disturbing memory that threatens to surface from his own unconscious, his wife Cleopatra Syra struggles to reconcile her loyalty to him with her misgivings about his despotism. Meanwhile, Meribast, a native Egyptian woman fighting to throw off Ptolemy’s rule, is frustrated by her inability to be taken seriously as a political player. This play can be viewed as a historical allegory of the modern-day Arab Spring, as well as an exploration of the theme of repression – political, gender-based and psychological.
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Ptolemy Epiphanes

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    3 Jul. 2021
    A brilliant political play bringing to life the Egyptians of 184 B.C. against their dictatorial ruler revealing the dynamics that came into the picture. Well done.
  • Bryan Stubbles:
    9 Feb. 2018
    A classically-written drama with a neat ending. Certainly deserves to be produced.

Character Information

  • Ptolemy V Epiphanes
    25,
    Male
    Greek Pharaoh of Egypt
  • Cleopatra Syra
    20,
    Female
    Wife of the Pharaoh.
  • Polycrates
    40s-50s,
    Male
    Epiphanes’ general and advisor.
  • Meribast
    Mid-20s,
    Female
    An Egyptian woman, a rebel.
  • Athinis
    Late 20s,
    Male
    Egyptian man, rebel chief, husband of Meribast

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Playwrights' Center of San Francisco
    ,
    2014