This Student Edition of Gary Owen's play includes a commentary which considers the play's roots in Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis, the presentation of class and impact of austerity and the language, structure and themes of the play

Iphigenia in Splott is a one-woman play, first seen in 2015, loosely adapted from the ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis.

The title character, Iphigenia (or "Effie"), finds escape from the harsh reality of her life in drink, drugs and one-night stands. The ancient Greek play is re-told against the backdrop of a crumbling welfare state and reveals the impact of austerity and social injustice on those who have little to lose.

The play has enjoyed international acclaim, having been performed in Cardiff (Sherman Cymru ), London (Lyric Hammersmith & National Theatre), Berlin (Schaubühne) and in New York (59E59 Theatres). In the UK, it won Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards, 2015.

This Student Edition of Gary Owen's critically celebrated play includes a commentary by Lucy Jackson, which considers:

* The rules of Greek drama and how they inform this play;
* Its basis in the Greek myth of Iphigenia and the Euripidean play Iphigenia at Aulis;
* The context that unites a 21st-century audience with an audience in ancient Greece;
* Modern and ancient notions of tragedy;
* Owen's use of poetic verse compared with that used in ancient drama;
* Various modern interpretations of the Iphigenia myth in theatre and literature;
* Owen's representation of marginalised voices in the play and his portrait of working-class lives;
* The notion of female sacrifice
* Key productions of the play to date and notable staging choices

Notes to the play are included at the back of the edition to help students de-code some of the play's references.

"Gary Owen’s magnificent, eviscerating play still speaks to us about the sorry state of our nation [and is] a growlingly poetic meditation and call to arms in one... everyone should see this shattering modern classic. No one will remain unmoved." - Guardian

"

Owen’s exquisite writing makes the scenes heartbreakingly vivid ... But the plot always gallops on, unfolding with a dramatic (and at times, manic) pace... It’s truly mesmerising.

A mobilising and urgent attack on austerity politics and the cruel realities of their effects on the working class and most vulnerable ... this play is a vital watch: scenes will flood into your head days after, perhaps when you’re watching the news. You’ll feel unnerved. You’ll feel angry. That’s what’s so great about it.