Archive for 17. August 2009

HELL HATH NO FURY: CUP-A-JO’S MEDEA

HELL HATH NO FURY: CUP-A-JO’s MEDEA

F. J. Hartland 

           Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  English playwright William Congreve gets credit for the quote, but Greek playwright Euripides captured the idea in his tragedy Medea.

            Now Cup-A-Jo Productions brings the classic to life in the Studio Theatre at Pitt.

            Medea, wife and mother of two, finds herself abandoned when her husband Jason leaves her for a princess.  But Medea devises the ultimate plan of revenge.

            While this is classical drama, don’t let that fact keep you away.  This translation and interpretation are very clear and easy to follow.

            While the production is low-budget, director Everett Lowe has spared no expense in getting top-quality performances from his cast.  Medea is also peppered with music and dance which add to the theatricality.

            Joanna Lowe has a powerful presence in the title role.  She captures the strength and the anger of a wife jilted by her husband.  Sometimes I wish we saw more of her softer side—the qualities that made Jason fall in love with her.  Lowe is matched step-for-step by Jody O’Donnell as Jason.  The scenes between the two of them are highlights of the production and bring the show to a fever pitch. 

           The talented Diana Ifft is cast as the Nurse.  It would be great to see her have more stage time.  Ditto for Vince Ventura in the dual role of Tutor/Messenger.

            Gordon Palagi is also double-cast as Creon and Aegeus.  Unfortunately, there is not enough distinction (other than a costume change) between the characters. 

           The set by Everett Lowe and Adrienne Fischer is simple—but contains some surprises.  Lighting by Lori Howsare is effective.  Leah Clocko’s costumes introduce bursts of color into the show beautifully.

            Medea is performed without an intermission.  With a running time of 110 minutes, it is too long a stretch for me to go without—well, a stretch.

              Medea continues through August 23.

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