Bard in the Botanics, in association with Raw Material presents

Medea

Euripides, in a version by Kathy McKean

This intimate production of one of Greek theatre’s most famous and powerful tragedies humanises its central character – allowing audiences to experience Medea’s terrible dilemma on a human level without sacrificing the epic quality of the story. It asks audiences to understand her awful decision to murder her own children – to empathise with her choices – and to consider what they might do in the same situation. We want audiences to feel the pain of being bound in a toxic relationship with a man who seeks to gaslight and claim a woman’s story for his own. We want them to appreciate the isolation of being an “outsider” in a society that is not their own, where they are not accepted but from which they cannot escape. This is Greek tragedy as human tragedy.

Everyone knows how Jason won the Golden Fleece - everyone knows how he became a hero - and everyone know the part his wife played in creating his legend - don't they? Erased from the narrative - abandoned by her husband for a new wife - left isolated and alone in a city where she does not and cannot belong - Medea begins to plot revenge - a terrible, bloody revenge that will send a howl of rage echoing through the ages. The award-winning production of this thrilling Greek tragedy returns re-imagined to tour Scotland's stages.

Supported by Macrobert Arts Centre

More than 2,000 years on from the original, in a version that brings a sharp edge of 21st century language to the story, we still find ourselves gasping at its boldness - Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

12+ Contains scenes of emotional distress; scenes of marital breakdown and discussions and representations of child death.

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