MEDEA adaptation by Robinson Jeffers October
22-25, 1998 |
MEDEA is Euripides' classic story of a woman driven to commit the most horrible of crimes. As timely as it was 2500 years ago, this is the tale of a woman whose passions led her to seek revenge on the lover who rejected her. Set in 5th Century (B.C.) Greece, Euripides pits overbearing passion against over-zealous logic and ultimately reveals the unfortunate consequences of both extremes. With the shadow of the story JASON AND THE GOLD FLEECE looming over MEDEA, the audience witnesses the horrors of faded loyalty and ultimate revenge, and is forced to judge the action of the betrayed and perhaps feel sympathy for the betrayer.
The University Theatre's 1997-98 season begins with this production of Euripides' masterpiece, written in 431 B.C. at the height of classical Athens' "golden age." There can be little doubt that Euripides' theatrical depiction of a woman's passion destroying a man's society was provocative, leading to intense discussion among a community for whom the theatre was a central forum for exploring issues of the day. Many of these issues remain contemporary 2428 years later.
For additional information contact Mr. Gourley in FAC 224, 661-1538, agourley@fmarion.edu.
Images © Walter Sallenger