Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, "Mourning Becomes Electra" unravels the dark and tangled relationships within the Mannon family. As the family members navigate their desires, secrets, and betrayals, their home becomes a battleground of unresolved emotions. In this haunting saga, Eugene O'Neill reimagines Greek tragedy, weaving a story of love, jealousy, and retribution.

The Mannon Family's Return

With the end of the American Civil War, the Mannon family prepares for the return of patriarch Ezra Mannon and his son Orin to their New England estate. Lavinia Mannon, deeply devoted to her father, harbors intense animosity towards her mother, Christine, whose affection for Ezra she resents. Meanwhile, Christine battles her own jealousy towards Lavinia's relationship with Ezra, fueling her hatred for her husband and daughter. Seth, the observant gardener, watches as Lavinia's disdain silently extends to Captain Brant, a frequent visitor at the Mannon residence.

Family Secrets and Revelations

The Mannons, descended from established New England lineage, have historical shadows lingering in their past. Unbeknownst to many, Ezra's brother Dave Mannon had scandalously eloped with Marie Brantome, an American Indian woman. Seth, keenly aware of the mounting tension between Lavinia and Christine, chooses to unveil to Lavinia that Captain Brant is the offspring of Marie and Dave Mannon. Armed with this knowledge, Lavinia becomes increasingly embittered, particularly by her mother's clandestine affair with Brant.

A Deadly Plan Unfolds

Lavinia's resentment over her mother's affair and the hold Christine has over Ezra drives her to confront her mother, forcing Christine to part with her lover. However, Christine's determination remains unyielding as she conspires with Brant to procure poison, plotting to eliminate Ezra and liberate herself to marry Brant. Lavinia's cruelty surfaces as she reminds Christine that Orin, her cherished son, was born during Ezra's military campaigns, underscoring her own perceived betrayal.

Tragedy Strikes

Upon Ezra's return, he perceives Christine's simulated concern for his health as she recoils from him. That evening, a heated argument about their crumbling marriage leads Ezra to suffer a heart attack. Christine, feigning to administer his medication, gives him poison instead. As Ezra dies in Lavinia's arms, he incoherently accuses Christine of murder, planting seeds of suspicion in Lavinia's mind despite her lack of evidence.

The Web of Deceit Tightens

Following Ezra's untimely death, Peter and Hazel Niles, cousins of the Mannons, arrive at the estate. Peter, having faced Lavinia's rejection, and Hazel, secretly in love with Orin, find themselves embroiled in the family's turmoil. Lavinia keeps a vigilant eye on Christine, particularly when Orin returns home, with both women vying for his allegiance. Christine, unnerved by Lavinia's silent accusations, realizes that Lavinia has discovered the poison. As the family attempts to welcome Orin, Lavinia looms like a harbinger of doom.

Orin's Bewilderment

Orin, swayed by his mother's influence and his own dislike for Ezra, initially trusts Christine. Yet, he vows to kill Brant if the rumors about him hold true. Christine, aware of Lavinia's intention to sway Orin, pleads with her daughter not to endanger Brant, fearing Orin's threat. Despite Christine's attempts to discredit Lavinia, Orin's childhood trust in his sister makes him partially believe her, though he demands proof.

A Twisted Revenge

On the day of Ezra's funeral, Lavinia and Orin secretly follow Christine to Brant's ship. Overhearing their plan to escape together, Orin's jealousy boils over, but Lavinia restrains him from immediate retaliation. Once Christine leaves, Orin enters the cabin and kills Brant, disguising the act as a robbery gone wrong with Lavinia's help. The siblings return home to reveal their actions to Christine, igniting a spiral of despair that ends with...