For one night only—June 4—Euripides’ tragic tale of love, hate, and betrayal graces the stage of the Little Theatre at Peninsula College, beginning at 7:30 pm. For the first time since the pandemic forced the drama department to close its doors, PC is thrilled to present “Medea”, directed by veteran actor, director, and designer Richard Stephens, and produced by Dr. Lara Starcevich, chair of the drama department.
The powerful sorceress Medea opens the play overcome with grief. After helping her husband Jason, leader of the Argonauts, obtain the Golden Fleece, she is furious when she finds out that Jason has married a younger princess and broken his oath to her. Consumed with rage for his betrayal, Medea has no choice but to unleash unimaginable horrors upon the royal family of ancient Corinth.
"Given the hostile climate that continues to oppress women globally, this play speaks to the suppressed rage that so many must feel when given no agency," Director Richard Stephens said. "If you disrespect and corner anyone long enough, there is no telling what dire choices they will make. By offering the audience a virtual glimpse into a world gone wrong, we have the chance to live vicariously through these characters and learn from their mistakes."
30-year veteran set designer Tim Thorn brings his expertise to create the palatial home where Jason and Medea will fight it out.
"Not only do we have this incredible Greek palace with steps and marble columns, but when these enormous doors open they reveal a giant statue of the goddess Hecate," Dr. Starcevich said. "This statue marks a pivotal turning point in the finale of the play!"
After careful deliberation, Starcevich and Stephens said they decided to do this play because this ancient drama asks difficult questions about the most heinous of crimes and challenges the audience as to which parent is justified in this messy divorce. The play offers no clear or easy answers, but a great tragedy for the audience to ponder long after the play is over.
Artist-in-residence Stephens directs this tragic story of marital strife while also designing costumes for this classic play from antiquity. With set designs by Thorn, and lighting by Kelly Doran, this mesmerizing production of a 2,500-year-old story of passion and fury will be a spellbinding adventure.
After the show, there will be a ‘Talkback’ session where audience members can ask questions of the director, design team, and cast. Proceeds for this one-time live show at the Little Theatre go to support Healthy Families of Clallam County. Tickets are available at the door by offering a cash donation. The show is free to PC students. A streamed version of the event will be available June 10- 24, at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3kHEpfy.
Parental advisory: mature content includes graphic violence.
For more information contact Dr. Lara Starcevich at lstarcevich@pencol.edu.