The Grecian Daughter
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| The Grecian Daughter | |
|---|---|
_The_Grecian_Daughter.jpg) | |
| Written by | Arthur Murphy |
| Date premiered | 26 February 1772[1] |
| Place premiered | Theatre Royal, Drury Lane |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Tragedy |
The Grecian Daughter is a 1772 tragedy by the Irish writer Arthur Murphy.[2] It was widely performed for nearly sixty years, through the 1830s.[3] For many British actresses in the eighteenth century, playing the role of the central heroine, Euphrasia, was an important part of gaining fame.[3]
Murphy began writing the play in 1769.[4] David Garrick encouraged Murphy to finish it in time for that year's theatrical season, but Murphy delayed in an (unsuccessful) attempt to convince Garrick to stage his play Alzuma instead.[4] Rehearsals began in late January 1772, and the play was first performed on 26 February.[5]
The play, set in ancient Sicily, opens with the King of Syracuse Evander having been imprisoned by a usurper, Dionysius. Evander's daughter, Euphrasia, is dedicated to his rescue. Euphrasia's husband and infant son have escaped the city, but Euphrasia remains, and at night climbs a mountain to reach the cave in which her father is being held with no food or drink. She persuades his guards to allow her to see him. Finding her father weak from starvation, Euphrasia breast-feeds him to save his life. As military aid approaches to free Syracuse from Dionysius, Euphrasia helps her father escape his prison and hides him in her mother's tomb. Dionysius schemes to kill the soldiers of the opposing army during a false truce, and tells Euphrasia that he will make her watch him murder Evander. Euphrasia draws a concealed dagger, and stabs Dionysius. His death serves to rescue Evander and the city. Euphrasia is happily reunited with her husband and son, and Evander names her his heir for the throne.
