Medea
by
Euripedes
February 23-25, 2001, Black Box Theater
In Greek mythology,
Medea is the sorceress who aids Jason of the Argonauts in his quest
for the Golden Fleece. After she uses her magical powers to help steal
the fleece from her father, Medea leaves her homeland and marries
Jason.
The play, written by Euripedes in 431 BC, is a study of the mistreatment
of women and of vengeance. It picks up the story long after the Quest
for the Golden Fleece when Medea and Jason are living in Corinth.
Jason falls in love with the daughter of King Creon, and he deserts
Medea and their children to marry the princes. In retaliation, Medea
exacts murderous revenge.
"I chose to do Medea because it is probably one of the most
dynamic female roles for the stage," said director Nicole Phelps,
a Coker College senior theater and communication major. "I have always
been a strong advocate of feminism and wanted to explore the depths
of the female mind."
By staging Medea in the Black Box Theater, an intimate setting
that seats 100, Phelp's brings the play closer to the audience. She
has also put her own touches on the production, including dressing
the actors in t-shirts emblazoned with gender symbols.
For the Coker production, Molly Corley portrays Medea and Garrett
Graham portrays Jason. The rest of the cast includes Sarah Snowden
as the Messenger, Lance Crouch as Creon, Keri Martin as the Nurse,
Brandon Cole as Aegeus and Keri Martin, Jenny Byrnes and Katrina Glenn
as the Chorus. Associate Professor of Theater Deborah Bloodworth is
advisor to the play and senior June Scott is the stage manager. |
