Medea: a Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth

Medea: a Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth

Medea: a Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth

Medea: a Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth

Overview

How could a woman who killed her children be saved by the gods? The shocking ending of Euripides' play is the starting point for a meditation on modern woman and the role of the artist/shaman. This synthesis of classic Greek and Japanese Noh Theatre retains the basic story of the former but is performed in a creative, stylized manner inspired by the latter, with chant, song and dance. These two theatre forms have many similarities - both are non-illusionistic and both grew out of religious ceremony and ritual - drawing on primitive myths and legends. In Japan the Noh plays have no thematic relation, but this play consists of five scenes - each corresponding to one of the traditional plays to form a single entity. This work offers exceptional opportunities for creativity and artistic innovation to directors, actors and designers.

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Cautions

  • Caution Strong Language Strong Language
  • Caution Mild Adult Mild Adult Themes

Details

  • Genre: Experimental
  • Time Period: Not Applicable
  • Cast Attributes: Ensemble cast, Expandable casting, Flexible cast size, Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)
  • Target Audience: Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Authors

Euripides

Euripides (c. 480 – c. 406 BC) was a tragedian of classical Athens. Along with Aeschylus and Sophocles, he is one of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose full plays have survived. Of the more than 90 plays attributed to Euripides, 18 are extant in full: Alcestis, Medea, ...
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Carol Sorgenfrei

Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, born January 14, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, is a playwright, director, and scholar of Japanese and cross-cultural performance. Her fifteen original plays include the award-winning Medea: A Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth (published by Samuel French) ...
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