Berenice

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Berenice," the sixth of twelve plays by the author. One of Racine's more popular plays in the modern era it was not performed often until the 20th century. In this work Racine draws upon the histories of Roman historian Suetonius, who recounts the story of the Roman emperor Titus and Berenice of Cilicia. Titus, whose father Vespasian has died, is presumed to be free to marry his beloved Berenice, queen of Palestine. However public opinion against the marrying of a foreign queen may put a wrinkle in Titus' plans.