BACCHAE

Dionysus, rejected by the Thebans as a god, forces the city's women to worship him in the mountains. Disguised as a human, he leads a group of Bacchants from the east. Cadmus and Tiresias, recognizing Dionysus’ power, join his worship, but Pentheus, the Theban ruler, refuses and suspects the women of indecency. Despite Cadmus and Tiresias’ efforts to persuade him, Pentheus imprisons Dionysus, who escapes with divine powers. When Pentheus hears of the women’s wild behavior, Dionysus convinces him to disguise as a woman to witness it. Pentheus is torn apart by his mother Agaue, who, under Dionysus’ influence, mistakes him for a lion. In the end, Dionysus reveals himself as a god, unleashing his wrath on Thebes for their defiance.