Brisbane review - Medea : An Exciting Innovation for Queensland Theatre
By Lilian Harrington
Production: Medea
Company: Queensland Theatre
Director: Daniel Evans
Location: Billie Brown Theatre 78 Montague Rd South Brisbane
Season: May 11 -June 8.
Bookings: Book online queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/Medea.
What an exciting innovation by Queensland Theatre to have a rewritten version of the Medea, with children starring in the lead roles! The current production of Medea has put a creative twist on this mythological Euripidean classic. The traditional play tells the story of the skilled sorceress Medea, from Colchis, who married the Greek soldier , Jason of the Argonauts , who had come seeking the Golden fleece, which was thought to have magical properties . Medea, a sorceress, eloped with Jason, and had borne him two sons. The sons voices were not heard in the original classic, but writers Kate Mulvany and Anne- Louise Sarks have written an adaptation which takes a different perspective, that of Medea’s two young sons and locates the scene in a modern bedroom setting.
This adaptation of Medea uses the voices of the two sons, trapped in their bedroom, to give a more meaningful approach to a sad and difficult family situation. It also allows for humour , banter, candid comment and captivating games played. It also depicts a mother’s love and heartache, but it stresses the lengths that she will go to, take her revenge on Jason.
It is through the boy’s dialogue that we hear of Jason’s new fiancé and what the father is planning for them. Medea is in despair at losing Jason, and possibly her sons too. She is a cunning sorceress, so she plans to take revenge. Firstly, by sending Jason’s fiancé , Glauce, ( daughter to King Creon), a poisonous robe, a gift from the boys. Further, she intends to inflict further pain on Jason and take the lives of their two sons.
The leads are played by four young actors, who alternate their roles through the season. Leon was played by thirteen year old, Orlando Dunn- Mura, and Jasper was played by ten year old, Felix Pearn. Medea , was played by Helen Cassidy.
It is remarkable what Director Dan Evans and his team of creatives have achieved with this production which runs for over seventy minutes, with no interval. The boys, in particular, Jasper, 10 years, ( Felix Pearn), have a huge acting commitment in the act both with dialogue and onstage action. It is through Jasper’s antics and his interaction with his older brother , Leon (12 years) Orlando Dunn- Mura, that they create a very genuine scenario in the boy’s bedroom. They fight, play games, show some consideration at times, and explain how much their parents mean to them , especially their father. The two young actors showed a good contrast in approach and style and they had a good energy and flow, which was admirable. In contrast Medea (Helen Cassidy) had a grounding effect on her two young sons; she provided not only direction and movement in the play, but she sent a strong, message, as a shady indicator to the audience, of what was instore.
The set was designed by Chloe Greaves . It is built like a fish tank and the boys can be seen and heard paralleled to the fish in their aquarium, in that they are trapped. Matt Scott created magical lighting effects, and Mike Willmett, provided atmospheric music which was played a little too loud at times. Audience appeared impressed with the unique design of the show which complimented the action. This play is cleverly conceived and an exciting innovation for Queensland Theatre.