Medea

Ferndale Repertory Theatre Teen Production

Photos courtesy of Beti Trauth

High Res - Medium Res Pictured from left to right: Fantasia Oslund, Emma Buschmann, & Callie Hacker

High Res - Medium Res Pictured from left to right: Michael Sandford, Jeff Friedman, Milo Roth, Laureen Tipple, Kelly Hughes.

The Ferndale Rep's 11th Annual Teen Theatre will present Euripides' powerful Greek tragedy, Medea, adapted for the stage by poet Robinson Jeffers on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, March 4-13; all shows are at 8pm. Ticket prices are $10 General and $5 Students. Reservations and information on group rates for schools are available through our box office at 786-5483.

The Rep's annual teen production draws young artists from throughout Humboldt County. This year, 25 students from Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, College of the Redwoods, and Humboldt State bring their enthusiasm and talent to the Rep stage for a two-week run. In conjunction with the production, the Art From The Hart gallery will showcase the work of teen artists from Ferndale, Fortuna, Eureka and Arcata High Schools. Students may download a comprehensive study guide for Medea by HSU graduate student, Nanette Voss.

Euripides challenges the heroic myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece in this monumental tragedy, written in 431 BC at a time of civic anxiety and patriotic fervor as Athens prepared for war. In Medea, the playwright questions the value of warfare and retribution, and upends conventional notions of gender in his portrayal of an exceptional woman in search of a horrible revenge.

Director Jim Lawer, when asked why do Greek theatre with teens says, "This play is vital for any age group, and particularly for teenagers, because it deals with ancient concerns that continue to haunt us today: the role of women in society, rationales and consequences of war, cross-cultural conflict, choices when you're backed into a corner with nowhere to go, betrayal and revenge. The ending of Medea is not easy. It only raises the concerns to a higher pitch. Medea also demands of the actors that they rise beyond themselves. Those moments in the rehearsal process, when I see the transformations happen, is why I love doing this with teens. It shows me the potential for our youth to rise and meet difficult situations as adults. I hope they can always meet challenges with the same commitment they have met in this play."

Director Jim Lawer has assembled a dynamic cast and design team including: Kelly Hughes, Laureen Tipple, Emma Buschmann, Fantasia Oslund, Callie Hacker, Jon Dombek, Ben Klima, Jeff Friedman, Ryan Nelson, Amer Imrie, Ryan Hall, Michael Sandford, Milo Roth, Allie Hackett, Caity Hackett, Evan Needham, Mel Parker (Stage Manager), Shawn Fitzpatrick (Set Design), Cami Parker (Light Design), Paul Mollard(Costume Design), Deric Mendes (Sound design), Jennifer Stannard and Jessica Sandford (Technical & Backstage Crew). Poster design is by Cami Parker. Special thanks goes to Denise Ryles of The Costume Box for her assistance with costumes.

We would like to express our deep appreciation to the Bertha Russ Lytel Foundation for their continuing support and sponsorship of our All Teen Productions.

Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Post Office Box 892 • 447 Main Street • Ferndale, CA 95536-0096

Tickets: (707) 786-5483 • Fax: (707) 786-5480 • Email: info@ferndale-rep.org