MEDEA, a tale of love, betrayal and revenge.
Shakespeare Frankfurt masterfully brings this Greek Tragedy to the stage. The ultimate tale of a woman scorned, wrought with emotion, it left me holding my breath in parts and speechless in others at the sheer extent of human depravity. Euripides’ writing is both shocking and horrifying as he explores the depths of love, betrayal, and vengeance, as well as how raw passion and fury can fuel the most of monstrous deeds.
MEDEA by Euripides: The Plot
Like any good Greek Tragedy, Medea explores the depths and darkness of the complex human condition and has no shortage of drama. Scorn a woman, they say, at your own peril. And Jason found out just how perilous this could be.
Medea, a powerful sorceress, who having sacrificed everything for her husband Jason, finds herself abandoned when he leaves her for Glauce, the daughter of King Creon of Corinth, in hopes of advancing his social standing.
Heartbroken and furious, Medea plots a terrible revenge. Creon, fearing Medea’s anger, banishes her, but she persuades him to let her stay for one more day. During that time, Medea sends Glauce a poisoned robe and crown “gifts,” which kill both Glauce and Creon when they touch them.
In the ultimate act of vengeance, Medea kills her own two children, believing this will cause Jason the greatest pain. Afterwards, she escapes in a chariot provided by her grandfather, the sun god Helios, leaving Jason devastated.
Medea by Euripides: The Setting
The Greek Tragedy plays out at the Internationales Theater Frankurt, in an intimate setting the audience can almost feel the heat emanating from the actors. Large dark looming columns on a darkened stage offer a dramatic feel to an otherwise minimalist set. Dramatic lighting and music complete the set.
The Characters and Other Themes
Of course, love, betrayal and vengeance lie at the heart of the play. However, other themes subtly run below the surface, gender dynamics being one of them. Medea, caught in patriarchal system her intelligence, cunning, and sheer willpower make her a striking figure of defiance against a system that expects women to be passive and subservient.
Medea is both victim and villain, leaving the audience to grapple with the nuances of circumstance. Caught between the desperation of where previous choices have led and the horrific choices she must make to reclaim power. Her speeches are eloquently filled with rage and sorrow.
Jason in contrast, is presented as more restrained, his arrogance and selfishness the height of male entitlement, his dismissive rationalisations making him a figure both pitiful and contemptible.
The Chorus, intricate to the storytelling serves as both moderator if you will and participant as the play unfolds. Almost mirroring the emotions of the audience as it sways between both sympathy and horror.
In conclusion, Medea by Euripides is not for the faint of heart; however, for theatre lovers and admirers of ‘the craft,’ it is an absolute MUST SEE!
Good to know:
- Head over to Shakespeare Frankfurt to book your tickets now