Three plays

Here, translated into English for the first time, are three of Nikos Kazantzakis’ most important and powerful dramatic works. Immensely readable, compelling in their themes, written in a style that is rich in poetic image, these plays are a tribute to the versatility and genius of the author of Zorba the Greek, Report to Greco and The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel, and reveal an aspect of his talent hitherto unknown in this country. Two of the plays are based upon classical Greek legend; the third is based upon Kazantzakis’ vision of Columbus’ epic voyage into the unknown; all three share in common Kazantzakis’ concern with man’s struggle to overcome fate and to triumph over his own weaknesses.