Lipscomb Theatre presents Medea in Flatt Amphitheater
Janel Shoun-Smith |
Students perform Greek tragedy Medea under the stars
Lipscomb University’s Department of Theatre kicks off the 2014-15 season with a production of the Greek tragedy “Medea,” beginning Friday, Sept. 19, performed in the Flatt Amphitheater on campus.
This modern adaptation of Euripides’ age-old tale retells the classical Greek myth of Medea, a powerful enchantress, and her husband Jason, a renowned war hero. Even though the pair have children together, Jason's financial and political desires push him to pursue a new wife, leaving Medea in danger of both losing her family and exile. As this stirring play unfolds, Medea’s desperation leads to brutal revenge on her husband.
First produced in 431 B.C., “Medea” features themes we still face today, including the value of communication, the importance of forgiveness and the downfall of vengeance.
Student director Tessa Bryant said she was drawn to the play because it explores the brokenness we all experience as humans.
“Brokenness is such a huge part of us as humans, and if we neglect that brokenness and if we chose to ignore the long-reaching consequences of the decisions we make, then it can be tragic,” said Bryant, a senior from Nashville. “Those are concepts that are important to talk about and contemplate. There are very applicable conversations that can come out of this show.”
This is the first student-directed production at Lipscomb in some years. The decision to have a student direct was a reflection of the university’s growing program in theater direction. Bryant submitted a proposal of her vision for the production and was interviewed by faculty in order to win the directing spot over other applicants.
Lipscomb’s production of “Medea” is set in 1950s America, a time that is often portrayed as idyllic. The traditional Greek chorus will be dressed as typical ’50s housewives, Bryant said.
The 1950s era was an appropriate setting as it mirrors the historic times of Greece in the time of the play, Bryant said. Both ancient Greece and 1950s America were nations recovering from war struggling with women taking on positions in society they had not before. “Over and over in history we see these idyllic settings, but there is so much turmoil going on behind doors,” she said.
The all-student cast will perform in a modern translation of the ancient verse. The play will be performed Flatt Amphitheater, located adjacent to the Bennett Campus Center, allowing the audience to view the play just as the ancient Greeks would have.
“It makes you feel more connected to the people who have been telling these stories for thousands of years,” Bryant said. “We are part of telling a story that is over 2,000 years old.”
In the event of inclement weather, shows will be canceled just 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. Up to 200 free tickets are available to Lipscomb college students through the Student Government Association.
Lipscomb’s “Medea,” will be performed Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21; and Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. each night.
Tickets are available at the Lipscomb Box Office at 615.966.7075 or at lipscomb.edu/theater. Cost is $17 for the general public, $12 for university faculty and staff and $5 for students of any age. For more information, contact Beki Baker at beki.baker [at] lipscomb.edu.