Medea 05

30 November 1999

Presented by Steamworks Arts Productions in association with Black Swan Theatre Company A modern version of Euripides' classic tale of betrayal and revenge. ...What we create, we can not forsake, thou gavest the pledge of faith!... This 2000 year old classic portrayal of a relationship in crisis is relocated to 2005 with Medea vs Jason fighting it out in the family court of Australia. Set within the context of the courtroom drama writ large: veering out of control, captured as a media circus, with 'reality-style', in-your-face, to-the-minute reportage. The stakes are high, the tragedy way too familiar (think OJ Simpson meets a one woman War of the Roses!). Domestic tragedy and family tragedy inform and permeate everyday life: these fears and sorrows are encapsulated in a play that despite being over 2000 years old remains all too real and close to home, where children become pawns in marriages that have gone horribly wrong. In the current environment where fathers argue that the family court is biased, where divorce results in loss of custody and access to their children, Jason's experience is total. Jason is the post-modern man - with responsibilities and obligations in both the public and private spheres. And Medea? She remains the power source of the avenging demoness, the inspiration for generations of women... who decide to fight back! ...luminous evening of the soul...overall an intelligent production... The Australian 04 ...theatre at its best... X-Press 04 ...another quality Steamworks production... Subiaco Post 04 ...every collaborator in Steamworks Arts Productions/B Sharp's presentation is in tune with Rapp's award winning text... Sydney Morning Herald 04 Starring: Marcelle Schmitz as Medea, Humphrey Bower as Jason, with Hayley McElhinney and Gibson Nolte. Direction: Sally Richardson Design: Andrew Lake Music: Steve Hearne Dramaturg: Alana Valentine Assistant Director: Marisa Garreffa (supported by Be Active BSX-Theatre) Marketing: Marnie Karmelita Previews: 31 March, 1 April @ 8pm Season: April 2 - 17 @ 8pm (Sundays @ 5pm) Standard: $30, PICA Member / Industry Conc: $22, BSTC Subscriber: $20, S/P/U: $18, Groups: Standard (10 or more) $20, Conc $15 Supported by ArtsWA, Black Swan Theatre Company, Bowtell Clarke + Yole Marketing Communications, and kpsw partners - certified practising accountants