In Port Elizabeth this August, Stageworld Theatre School will present “Medea 2012”, the modern adaptation of Euripides’ tragedy which truly highlights misogyny and revenge in society.
Medea (Khanyisa Sigwanda) marries Jason (Cuan Louw) and they live in Corinth. Life in Corinth is about power and money. They have two beautiful sons but Jason decides to leave Medea and marry the young daughter of King Creon (Deon Strydom). He explains to Medea that the marriage is to ensure more power, more money for them. Medea however learns that she and her sons will be exiled and is furious and humiliated, also knowing she will not be allowed to return to her own country. She then kills her sons, King Creon and the young princess, Jason’s bride. The question is: who is guilty – Jason or Medea?
Is the lesson that Euripides taught in 431 BC one that our own society is yet to learn?
The plot for Medea 2012 is straightforward and a reflection of the world and it’s people as we know them today. What is obvious is that we are masters at creating scapegoats for our mistakes and our choices. Do we really accept responsibility for our decisions when it is easy to find someone and something to blame?
The language and plot of Medea 2012 have been adapted to reflect contemporary culture. The company dances to music by Rammstein, Sibelius, Ill Nino, Mozart and Berlioz in innovative costumes and décor. This bold and to the point theatre of today highlights the same current societal problems with the same characters and distorted humour.
The show is directed by Marlene Thomasse-Pieterse, choreographed by Donna McLaggan and staged at the Port Elizabeth Opera House. Cuan Louw plays Jason with the beautiful Khanyiswa Sigwanda as Medea. Andrew White and Megan van Wyk play their alter egos. Also in the company are Marcia Ntoni, Deon Strydom, Aarti Narotam, Peter Lee Ching and Anneke Groenewald. International artist, Zamuxolo Mgudka – the 2010 The Herald Citizen of the Year arts and culture category winner – is on drums and will be joined by Donna McLaggan.
Date: 8 – 11 August 2012
Time: 19:30 – 21:30
Venue: PE Opera House
Tickets: Computicket.
Alan Straton
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how does medea through the frames of theatre and society, theatre bodies and theatre materials demonstrate and investigate south african contemporary issues/concerns