Modern Medea is a bloody success at the Citz.
October 2, 2012 by Grace Franklin
The Greeks do terrific tragedy. The Citizens’ Theatre goes one better. Mike Bartlett’s new version of Medea, the ancient horror story of filicide, becomes real, today, here and now and utterly believable. Even the blood looks warm!
Headlong, the Citizens’ and Watford Palace Theatre’s production runs till Saturday 13 October. Don’t miss it!
Rachael Stirling as Medea gives an astonishing performance as the volatile, calculating, highly intelligent and totally distraught woman who sees her husband’s impending marriage to another woman as betrayal which can only be countered by extreme punishment. Her brittle, amusing, crude and barbed conversations have echoes in many kitchens and cafes currently. The man of her sexual dreams and object of her venom is Jason played by a strong Adam Levy. He commands her attention while disenchanted with her lack of affection. The neighbours Sarah, played by Lu Corfield and Pam, played by Amelia Lowdell, give very different and distinctive supporting roles which convey the frequently ambivalent view of onlookers in any domestic dispute.
Without giving the game away on the modern take on the ancient tale, just be assured that Paul Brendan, Christopher Ettridge, Paul Shelley and Rory Macleod complete a powerful cast. The unique and clever Greek chorus is very amusing – as is much of the dialogue in this stunning production.
If not already sold out, this production deserves to be, so get your ticket fast!
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