Theatre Production Puts Contemporary Spin on Classic Greek Tragedy

 
A version of the Seneca play “Medea” will run at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-22, and 2 p.m. Feb. 23, in the Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.
 
The mythic figure of Medea has captivated audiences for millennia. When Jason, the hero she helped and loved, abandons Medea for a royal match, she is driven to unimaginable vengeance.
 
This rendition is under the direction of Cat Gleason, assistant professor of theatre, who also adapted the production to a contemporary framework that challenges the perceptions of the role of women, mothers and outsiders in society. While this production is mostly based on Seneca’s version, it has been wholly re-written and combined with other versions of the play and myth, making it what Gleason refers to as a “loose adaptation” of the original. In this version, the chorus members use the actors’ own names, are in the present time and speak to the audience directly.
 
“The play we are presenting is an adaptation of an adaptation,” Gleason said. “I first co-authored this adaptation with Barbara Salvadori-Heritage in 2012. This year, with Salvadori-Heritage’s blessing, I rewrote it changing the setting and much of the characterization with this version, leaving the plot structure close to the same.”
 
Due to the nature of the subject matter, including multiple references to filicide, “Medea” is not intended for younger audience members.
 
Tickets for all performances of “Medea” are $15 and available now. They can be purchased in advance online here. Tickets are also available at the door before each performance. Any questions about this production may be directed to boxoffice@truman.edu.