UNL’s University Theatre will close out its season with Euripides’ “Medea” in the Temple Building’s Studio Theatre.
Translated by Diane Arnson Svarlien and directed by Laura Lippman, performances are 7:30 p.m. April 17-18 and April 21-25; and 2 p.m. April 26. Tickets, available at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, calling 402-472-4747 or at the door (one hour prior to a performance) are $16 for general admission; $14 for faculty, staff and senior citizens; and $10 for students.
The production also includes the “Talking About Media” series. Organized by UNL’s Michael Lippman, assistant professor of practice in classics and religious studies, the events are presented by the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film and the Department of Classics and Religious Studies.
In the classic tale, Medea has sacrificed everything for Jason to help him retrieve the Golden Fleece. She has given up her country, family and her heart only to have Jason leave her for the princes of Corinth.
When the king of Corinth orders Medea and her children to go into exile, Medea begs for one more day to settle her affairs. In that one day, Medea finds a way to take everything from the king, Jason and herself.
“In this modern approach to the classic Greek tragedy, Medea shows us all just how far she will go for love,” Lippman said.
Cast members include Jesse Debolt at Medea, Thomas Boyle as Jason, Brenna Hill as a nurse, Colton Bland as a tutor, Grant Alsup as Creon, Will Voelker as Aegus and Trey Martinez as the messenger. The chorus includes Hunter McDonald, Lynn Twarowski, Kirstie Smith, Julie Utter and Candace Nelson.
Production designers are Katie Davis (costumes), Maxx Finn (lighting), Elizabeth Kniep (sound), Fred Drenkow (set), Greg Rishoi (props), and Emily Kuklinski (stage manager).
Svarlien is a verse translator and classicist who has published many translations of the Greek playwrights for Hackett Press. She is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for 2010-11.
Laura Lippman is a lecturer in theatre and film at UNL.
Post-performance talks will be held after the April 17 and April 22 performances. They are open to ticket holders.
The “Talking About Media” series events are free and open to the public. The series includes:
“Translating Euripides: Sound and Sense” with Svarlien, 4 p.m., April 17 in Temple Building, Room 104.
“The Sting of Her Sorrow: Medea and Justice” with Peter Burian, professor of classics and theater, Duke University, 4 p.m. April 23 in Temple Building, Room 104.
“Activating Imagination: Greek Masks at Work” Amy R. Cohen, associate professor of classics, Randolph College, 4 p.m., April 24, Temple Building, third floor Lab theatre.
