Set at the time of Poland's mythical origins, this drama follows the rise and fall of Balladyna, a fictional Slavic queen consumed by her thirst for power. Two beautiful sisters — one good, the other ruthless — compete for the hand of the noble prince Kirkor. When Balladyna murders her sister Alina out of jealousy, she sets in motion a relentless ascent to the throne, committing ever greater crimes along the way. Influenced by Shakespeare's King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Macbeth, Słowacki's Romantic tragedy explores the evolution of the criminal mind and the corrupting nature of ambition.
Set at the time of Poland's mythical origins, this drama follows the rise and fall of Balladyna, a fictional Slavic queen consumed by her thirst for power. Two beautiful sisters — one good, the other ruthless — compete for the hand of the noble prince Kirkor. When Balladyna murders her sister Alina out of jealousy, she sets in motion a relentless ascent to the throne, committing ever greater crimes along the way. Influenced by Shakespeare's King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Macbeth, Słowacki's Romantic tragedy explores the evolution of the criminal mind and the corrupting nature of ambition.