‘Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned’. We know the saying, however do we all know the extent that these ‘scorned’ girls will go to precise their revenge? In the occasion of Medea (Sophie Okenedo), she’ll undertake the last word path to revenge in Robinson Jeffers’ adaptation of the surprising unique story from Euripides.
Its premise is easy sufficient, Medea’s husband Jason (Ben Daniels) has been untrue and is to marry one other. Unfortunately, all of it will get fairly difficult for Medea when her rash actions and phrases go away her no different alternative however to be exiled from the town alongside along with her two sons by King Creon.
With the theatres within the spherical design on the newly developed Sohoplace, a lavish stage and set aren’t an possibility so designer Vicki Mortimer’s easy set faces us. A desk and chairs are instantly discarded in a dramatic outburst at the beginning from Daniels probably indicating the family’s demise. Bar a number of objects of clothes for Daniels to put on to vary between all of the male characters (Jason, Creon, Aegeus and Tutor) there’s no set in any respect, simply the empty stage to command. Though it’s easy, it really works. The consideration is solely on the characters. What should be mentioned is how the present does so effectively in doing so little but a lot. It’s by no means excessive and its minimalistic method has most impact. An fascinating however good shock was the introduction of the three girls of Corinth (Penny Layden, Jo Mcinnes, and Amy Trigg). Unbeknown to us three girls dressed as common theatregoers sat within the viewers and as soon as their cue got here, burst into the scene across the viewers. As for the 2 leads, Daniels took cost of each character he was. He embellished the function, including options to his characters and efficiency selections to indicate clearly who he was. His last downfall as Jason was heartbreaking but we couldn’t take our eyes off him. Another a part of Daniel’s character, although that is additionally all the way down to Dominic Cooke’s intelligent path was to take Daniels out of the circle on the stage, instantly taking him out of the scene as he slowly paces round in circles including or eradicating the subsequent merchandise to transition into a brand new character.
As for the titular function, Okenedo is magnetic as Medea. A uncooked and emotional efficiency has us hanging on her each phrase. She instructions the area and always has us in anticipation of her subsequent transfer. From begin to end she’s nothing in need of very good. All in all, it’s a blistering 90-minute present that packs a punch and leaves you shocked. Dominic Cooke has directed a brutal tackle the unique tragedy that continues to be as surprising as ever.
Review by George Butler
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Stalls, F26 | Price of Ticket: £55