The Medea Myth Program [1991]

Authors

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre

Files

Description

Adaptation by Dan Plato

Translation of Medea by C. Carleton

Directed by Susan Clark

Publication Date

Fall 11-1991

City

Gorham, ME

Keywords

Theatre, University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, Theatre Program

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Theatre and Performance Studies | Theatre History

Comments

Cast

Jessica Antone ... Medea
Jennifer Boislard ... Medea
Carol Boothby ... Medea
Greg Corrin ... Tutor
Sara Dennerly ... Chorus
Brian Lamphier ... Creon
Jennifer Lunden ... Chorus
Amber Person ... Chorus
Jon Pinette ... Jason
Kevin Reams ... Aegeus
Junior Rocha ... Messenger
Derrick Roma ... Son
Liz Rooney ... Chorus
Karen Rouselle ... Nurse
Rebecca Wilhoit ... Chorus
Cindi Whittaker ... Chorus
Seth Wilson ... Son

Directors Notes

The Medea Myth is an adaptation of Euripides' Medea, using the basic structure of the classical Greek work with important variations. The central role of Medea has been divided into three parts, each illustrating a different aspect of this complex character. The Greek choral odes have been replaced by the true stories of contemporary women, who relate their histories of abuse, which culminate in murder. Despite the differences in the stories, the relationship between Medea and the battered women is more than serendipitous. It relies on a careful reading of the original Medea, and an appreciation for the fact that, although Medea was a murderess and sorceress, Euripides goes to great lengths to present her in a sympathetic light. At the beginning of the play, Medea has already sacrificed her most valuable possessions: she has irretrievably severed her ties to her family, her home and her country. On more than one occasion, she has used her magic powers to protect Jason and has even murdered for him. She has moved, in exile, with Jason and provided him with a wife, a home and two sons. This she does despite the fact that she does not speak Greek, she is looked upon as a foreigner, and she is shunned by most because of her deadly reputation. When J ason abandons her, not for love of another, but merely to acquire great wealth, she is stripped of the only commodity she possesses: her husband. She has been used most shamelessly, and her revenge is fearful.

Recommended Citation

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, "The Medea Myth Program [1991]" (1991). Programs 1991-1992 Season. 1.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/theatre-programs-1991-1992/1

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