Medea theatre review: A tragedy rekindled
Bard In The Botanics present a fierce new take on Euripides' work
Hearing a distinctly Scottish accent ring out across this stage at the very beginning, you could be fooled into thinking you’re in the wrong auditorium. But this contemporary version of Euripides’ play comes to life as the opening monologue is delivered and we step into the world of Greek tragedy with awe. Medea’s screams permeate her own introduction: a sorceress, princess and demi-god, betrayed by Jason (he of Argonauts fame) in her time of woe.
For this spring’s Bard In The Botanics tour, writer Kathy McKean places our protagonist’s emotional turmoil directly in the spotlight, giving her a fury that wouldn’t look out of place on a battlefield. Nicole Cooper reprises her award-winning portrayal of Medea and leaves us shocked, heartbroken and amused in equal measure, alongside Isabelle Joss, Johnny Panchaud and Alan Steele who keep the audience captivated throughout with skill and craft.
Despite a slightly lacking set design, Gordon Barr’s direction ensures that the cast draw us right in, moving precisely and close enough to make us lean into the action, while Benny Goodman’s lighting bounces around, creating the feeling of being in a Greek theatre where this play was performed thousands of years ago. Although there are moments which lack the dramatic tension required to cut through the misfortune (which occasionally feels relentless), its pace is engaging. And the cast is more than equipped to give this faraway fable an intimate proximity that allows audiences to see an insightful portrayal of female rage.
Medea is touring Scotland until Saturday 11 April; picture: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.