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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Medea
Verdict: Melting royalty
Medea is a barbarian witch, wife of Jason. The play is the story of a footnote to Jason’s great epic. It is set long after he has returned from winning the Golden Fleece with the Argonauts - and
is not his credit.
The play explores the theme of being a stateless immigrant and asylum seeker. True to the bloodthirsty credentials of Greek tragedy, it features a princess and king who melt in fire, and two children murdered by their mother to spite the husband who abandoned her.
Medea is challenged by the constraints of the Baron's Court Theatre. It is a small gem of a venue in the crypt of a pub. The stage is a tiny area of less than 100 square feet, with the audience on three sides. The chorus consists of only 3 Corinthian Women, and avoids overly-creative stage direction with the exception of a few lacivious flourishes.
The set design adapts well to the small stage. The space in front of Medea's house consists of a small fountain set into the back wall, with benches on either side. It works well except, as the play progresses, more and more water splashes out of the fountain. Actors’ feet slip dangerously on the wet surface at the height of the drama – providing the distraction of marvelling at the gore-count of the characters while worrying about the safety of the performers.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Creon - Robert Cargill. Jason - Tom Foster. Aegeus - Edward Nelson. Medea - Andi Osho. Nurse - Dina Sedin. Messenger - David Stephenson. Tutor - Andrew James Storey. Chorus (alpha order) - Rebecca Pownall, Gemma Rooke, Beatrice Rose. Children (alpha order)- Ben Blackmore, Bertie Taylor-Smith.. Musicians - Serafina Steer (harp), Julia White (oboe).
Company Credits: Writer – Euripides. Adapted and Directed by - Rebecca Atkinson Lord. Music Composer - Philip Ashworth. Set Designer - John Atkinson. Lighting Designer - Jess Jenkins. Technical Assistant - Natalie Luck. Costumes - Bristonl Costume Services, Flame Torbay Costume, Patricia Atkinson. Company Voice Work by - Sue Meadows. Producer - Mirtos Productions (www.mirtosproduction.co.uk).
END
(c) Brad Hall 2005
reviewed Sunday 10 July 05 / Barons Court Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
