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Overview

Synopsis

The Argonauts have returned from their quest to reclaim the legendary Golden Fleece, and the hero, Jason, is ready to settle down, marry a princess of Corinth and become a statesman. However, his first wife, the sorceress Medea, is understandably opposed to her husband's new marriage. A foreigner and an outsider to the ways of Greece, Medea is unceremoniously driven out of Corinth by Jason and his new father-in-law, Creon - but not before Medea can enact her grisly revenge by murdering Creon and his daughter. Finally, in one of the most infamous moments in Greek tragedy, Medea punishes Jason for his betrayal by slaying their two young children in cold blood before escaping upon the backs of two dragons.

Seneca’s verse adaptation of this famous tragedy stays true to Euripides’ original, while adding Seneca’s poetic sensibilities with an extra focus on Medea’s supernatural powers. This classic story of a betrayed witch princess lends itself to a variety of modern readings and adaptations, and touches on essential themes of feminism, justice and “otherness.”

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
Medea by Euripides
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
5
Genres
Drama, Tragedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Corinth, Ancient Greece
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Diverse Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Medea

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Jason

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Creon

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Chorus of Corinthian Women

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Nurse

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Messenger

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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