PORT ANGELES — For one night only, on Saturday, Euripides’ tragic tale of love, hate and betrayal will grace the stage of the Little Theatre at Peninsula College, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
For the first time since the pandemic forced the drama department to close its doors, the college will present “Medea,” directed by veteran actor, director and designer Richard Stephens, and produced by Lara Starcevich, chair of the drama department.
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 will support Healthy Families of Clallam County.
Tickets are available at the door by offering a cash donation.
The show is free to Peninsula College students.
A streamed version of the play will be available from June 10-24 at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3kHEpfy.
The 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 unleashes 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,” 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.”
Set designer Tim Thorn, a 30-year veteran, creates 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,” 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 is a great tragedy for the audience to ponder long after the play is over,” according to a press release.
Stephens, artist-in-residence, directs the play while also designing its costumes.
“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,” the release said.
Parental advisory: mature content includes graphic violence.
