by Amber Allen
Managing Editor
A modern-day Greek tragedy dealing with human nature and the conflict between emotion and reason is the focus of “Medea,” this spring’s theatre production, which opens next week.
Georji Paro is back for his fifth visit from the Croatian National Theatre to direct the production.
“Medea” is one of the last Greek classics. It is timeless in that it deals with human nature. “The case of Medea is provocative,” said Paro.
“We live in a world where outrageous acts exist,” he said. “Medea’s time was deeply rooted in human nature by learning how evil comes into life through thoughtless acts.”
Sophomore Stacey Williams plays the part of Medea, an emotionally disturbed woman seeking revenge against her unfaithful husband.
“I feel like I’ve just come to know this character,” said Williams. “I feel bad for her, but I think her actions are reasonable. She gives new meaning to the saying ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’”
According to Paro, the playwright Euripides wanted the audience to see the over emotional actions of human beings and how those actions are moderated to fit into the behavior of modern society.
“It is conflict between two worlds—the mystical and the social. People live mythological lives and the natural law says you take care of the family first,” said Paro.
The dominant voice of the play belongs to the 10-member chorus of women who represent the collective voice of reason for Medea. Each chorus member wears a mask that is removed when the actress says something in her own name.
The chorus was originally 14 people, but four actresses dropped out. According to Paro, the chorus still effectively represents “the conscience of society.
Freshman Chryseis Alexander, one of the chorus members, said, “It has been challenging to learn to stay in tune with everyone. But we all feed energy off each other and the group gives great support.”
“Medea” is unusual for a major production in that it has only one act and requires no set changes. Because it is a Greek play, there are no stage directions in the script, which allows more creativity on the part of the cast and crew.
To accommodate all the variations in movement and action, a ramp was constructed to connect the main stage and the back of Dailey Theatre. The ramp allows actors to enter and exit over the seats of the audience, bringing the action into the audience. The conclusion of the play incorporates an instrument of surprise for the audience.
According to Dr. David Flaten, professor of theatre arts, dramatic changes are made to the theatre’s stage when Paro directs. For last year’s production of “A Flea in Her Ear,” the entire stage was extended and elevated out into the audience.
This will be the only production of “Medea” that Paro will direct because he has a personal practice never to direct the same play twice. He explained that expectations and preconceptions are created when a play is redirected.
The youngest members of the “Medea” cast are Medea’s children, played by Associate Professor of Religion Dr. Jonathan Reed’s 3-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, a tribute to the diversity of the cast.
“Everyone in the cast is open and fun. It’s nice to have new people to work with,” said Alexander.
“The cast is full of completely dedicated people and everyone gives 100 hundred percent all the time,” praised Williams.
Paro hopes people will not only attend the production, but will also participate in the discussion immediately following the play.
“This is a very powerful play with excellent roles for talented actors,” added Paro.
Dr. Flaten added that he hopes “people leave without their socks on,” a reference to the fact that all the actors are bare-footed throughout the play.
“Medea” opens Thursday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., with performances on May 5, 6, 12 and 13. Free tickets may be reserved in the ASF office for Thursday and Friday night’s performances.
