This ain’t no classic play.

The Bacchae aren’t standing on the sidelines whilst the men have all the fun. These fangirls may be a pack but they’re not animals… They are stage-storming powerhouses ready to cause chaos in Thebes.

Whilst the Bacchae maraud in the mountains, their god Dionysos is taking part in his own f*cked-up family Olympics. He’s here to bring down his cousin King Pentheus. All to prove to the chorus of women that he’s more than just the god of rhyme, wine and a good time.

The first ever playwright debut on the National Theatre's Olivier Stage, Nima Taleghani’s exciting new version of Euripides’ ultimate tragedy is brought to life through rhythm, movement and music.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere production in September 2025, directed by Artistic Director of the National Theatre Indhu Rubasingham.

Nima Taleghani is writer and performer, whose debut play Bacchae marks the first ever playwright debut on the National Theatre’s Olivier stage. As an actor, he recently starred alongside Tom Holland as Benvolio in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo & Juliet, where he also served as the production’s Text Editor. Nima’s screen and stage performance credits include Heartstopper for Netflix as series regular Mr Farouk, and Cyrano de Bergerac alongside James MacAvoy in the West End & New York.