October 20, 2008

Lehman College Presents ‘Medea’ Oct. 15-26 With a Unique Twist

    Lehman College’s Theatre Program will open the new season with a production of French playwright Jean Anouilh’s adaption of the Greek tragedy Medea. Performan-ces will take place in the Studio Theatre beginning on Wednesday, October 15, at 3:30 p.m. and continuing through October 26 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Two of the performances—on October 23 and 24 at 8 p.m.—will be sign language interpreted.
    Originally written by Greek playwright Euripides, the story of Medea is one of love spurned and subsequent revenge. When Medea’s husband, Jason, abandons her and their two children to marry someone of a higher social standing, she instigates a series of tragic acts in the name of justice. Anouilh’s adaption offers a closer look at the relationship between the play’s central figures.
    Directed by Jerry Barnard, the Lehman production will offer its own twists with two special performances by deaf actor Ryan Grant as Jason. All other performances of Jason will be performed by actor Sean Connelly. Other cast members include Lydia Diaz as Medea; Roberto Ventura as Soldier/Guard; Bix Windbiel as Boy/Messenger; David Wetter as Creon (first week) and Davi Santos as Creon (second week); and Osnat Greenbaum as the nurse. The children will be played by Caitlin Thompson and Dylan Wolfson.
    Barnard, who manages user and program support services at Lehman, is also the producer of two cable television programs: “Conversations” with award-winning playwright Prof. William Hoffman and “Ed Cast” with Lehman Prof. Jim Carney and Hostos Community College Prof. Linda Hirsch. Formerly, he was the managing director of American Theater Alliance and Muzia Dance Theater.
    Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors and non-Lehman students. Free to all Lehman students with a valid I.D. For more information, or to make reservations, call 718-960-8025.
     Note: There will be no performance on Wednesday, October 22.
    Contact: Yeara Milton/ 718-960-7963

From the top: Sean Connelly and Lydia Diaz as "Jason" and "Medea" in the Lehman College production of Jean Anouilh's adaption of Euripides' classic Greek tragedy Medea; official poster of Lehman College's production; Caitlin Thompson and Dylan Wolfson with Lydia Diaz .