East Central University’s first theatre production of the year, “Medea,” by Euripides and translated by Diane Arnson Svarlien, is scheduled for three performances, Oct. 6-8, in the Chalmers Herman Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
The performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, and Friday, Oct. 7, with a special matinee set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for senior citizens and non-ECU students. ECU alumni receive a $1 discount and admission is free for all ECU students, faculty and staff with identification.
Medea is the character in Greek Mythology who helps Jason and his Argonauts steal the Golden Fleece. She is a sorceress who protects him from monsters and jealous kings alike. Euripides’ “Medea” starts long after the Argonaut adventures.
Jason and Medea have found refuge in Corinth and have had two sons. Jason leaves Medea and takes up with the local princess “to improve life” by Medea by giving them brothers of royal blood. Needless to say, Medea doesn’t take this well and plots her revenge.
The cast is headed by senior Annette Lorraine Wright, of Okmulgee, as Medea; freshman Teagan Williams, of Blanco, as Jason; graduate student Jamie Davis, Ada, as Creon, King of Corinth and freshman Cherokee Jones, Eufaula, as King Aegeus of Athens.
Also in the cast are: Margie Black, of Redlands, Calif., as the Nurse; Jorge Carrizales, Oklahoma City, as the Tudor and Tabitha Carr, Winnsboro, Texas, as the Messenger. Youngsters Patrick Beck and Caedon Havens, of Ada, will appear as Medea’s and Jason’s two sons.
A chorus will also be featured with Kara Hodo, of Atoka; Courtney Phillips, Tishomingo; Isabella Roan, Garland, Texas; Allison Bush, of Tulsa/Sapulpa; Ashleigh Harrell, Muskogee; Tyler Whitney, Oklahoma City and Alison Green, Ada.
The translation by Svarklien features iambic pentameter, anapest chants and lyrical segments which have been put to music by music major Christopher Bragg, of Sulphur. Zachary Teague, of Oklahoma City, provides the musical direction for the production and Katelynn Hill, of Noble, is the stage manager.
The production is directed by Dr. Richard Groetzinger.
The play will run approximately 90 minutes without an intermission.
Box office hours are from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The box office is also open one hour prior to the start of the show. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 580-559-5751 or online at ecok.edu/FineArts.
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