NEW ORLEANS – The Ancient Greeks invented theatre, and The NOLA Project is paying tribute by tackling a classic to close out Season 21.
“MEDEA is one of the most urgent stories ever written – about power, about motherhood, about what happens when a woman has nothing left to lose,” said NOLA Project Artistic Director Tenaj Wallace. “And it turns out that story is just as alive today as it was in ancient Athens. And it wouldn’t be a NOLA Project show if we didn’t add our own twist to it.”
As far back as 431 BC, audiences have been captivated by one woman’s quest for vengeance. In this modern translation by Alistair Elliot, Euripides’ themes continue to ring true – maybe now more than ever.
“We’re interested in what MEDEA is saying about unpaid labor, the unequal expectations of women and men when it comes to parenting, and what it looks like when a marriage implodes in acrimony,” said NOLA Project ensemble member Gab Reisman. “But tragedy can’t exist without comedy, so I’m also going to be looking for ways this play can make us laugh and surprise us. We’re also building an immersive nod to The Festival of Dionysus, where every spring ancient Athenian citizens would stop work, hang at the theater for a few days drinking wine, and judge that year’s crop of new plays.”
Reisman, who’s penned multiple original works for the company, returns to direct for The NOLA Project for the first time since 2009 (FINER NOBLE GASES). The production features NOLA Project ensemble members Natalie Boyd, Megan Whittle and Kristin Witt as well as local performers Robinson J. Cyprian, Jon Greene, Aria Jackson and Roney Jones.
MEDEA will be the fourth NOLA Project production to be staged at the Greenway Station. Season 19’s DRACULA and SHAKESPEARE’S TEMPEST, REIMAGINED as well as FRANKENSTEIN earlier this season saw tremendous turnout from the community.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The NOLA Project and the Lafitte Greenway Partnership,” said Lafitte Greenway Partnership Director of Community Programming Alexis Marceaux. “Bringing live theatre to our public space for the fourth time is a testament to the power of community collaboration, and we are proud to keep uplifting emerging local artists right here in New Orleans.”
MEDEA will be presented May 15-30 at 436 N Norman C Francis Pkwy. Seating is bring-your-own general admission – camping chairs are recommended for the outdoor, concrete venue. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. Please note this production contains adult content. For detailed schedule, tickets and more, visit NOLAProject.com.
WHAT:
The NOLA Project presents MEDEA by Euripides translated by Alistair Elliot
WHEN:
• May 15-30
• 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
• Lafitte Greenway Station
• 436 N Norman C Francis Parkway
TICKETS:
• $20-55