“Medea by Euripides,” a deconstructed modern retelling of a Greek classic, will be performed in the University of Central Arkansas Snow Fine Arts Center’s Black Box Theatre five times in February.
The performances, presented by the UCA Theatre Program, will be directed by Brady Ness, an adjunct professor of theatre and a UCA graduate.
Free and open to the public, the play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 15 and 16. There will also be a 2 p.m. performance Feb. 16.
“I’m excited to share the creative work of our students who are breathing new life into a play that is over 2,000 years old,” Ness said.
In this classic story about hate becoming stronger than love, Medea leaves her family, friends and country behind to be with her husband, Jason, who then betrays her.
Medea’s plot for revenge includes ending Jason’s happiness and bloodline, which means killing her two children. The stylized piece that incorporates physical composition and movement is a highly collaborative, semi-devised piece founded on the original Greek text.
“Medea is a strong woman. She has been hurt and abandoned and she expresses it the only way she can, with revenge,” said UCA theatre sophomore, Emily Cobb, who plays the role of Medea.
“Medea has been one of the most challenging characters that I have ever had to play. Because the character is conflicted with so many emotions, the director has multiple actors to help express these feelings. I not only have to feel my emotions, but I also have to express what the other girls who share Medea’s character are feeling.”
Seating is limited, with 30 seats per performance in the Black Box Theatre. Attendees are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Once the production closes on Feb. 16, the director/actors will begin reworking a few scenes from “Medea” to be filmed with the film program’s 360 camera. A viewing of the resulting film will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. Audience members who have seen the production between Feb. 14-16 are invited to return to see “Medea 360.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their own iPads or phones to view the film; some cardboard Virtual Reality headsets will be available for audience members to put their phones in and wear during the viewing.
For more information, please contact Melissa Pearson at (501) 450-5092 or melissap@uca.edu.
The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Music, and Film, Theatre and Creative Writing, as well as the School of Communication. The college’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit uca.edu/cfac or call (501) 450-3293.
