Medea

The Hub

Wed 10 Aug - Sunday 28 Aug 2022 | Edinburgh International Festival

The actor playing Medea stares directly into the camera against a blank background.

Overview

She's chucked out like an auld coat that nae langer fits him…

A tale of horror, of the breaking of the ultimate taboo – of the snuffing out of the future – Medea is the classic drama of the eternal battle of the sexes.
Of hold-your-breath heartbreak and revenge.

Refugees in Corinth, Medea and Jason, clinging together, have struggled to bring up their beloved offspring in this alien and unsympathetic society.
Now Jason has a plan to better integrate himself.
Unfortunately, this involves abandoning his wife, the mother of his children…
Spurned, destitute, desperate, Medea exacts her terrible retribution.

Michael Boyd directs a brilliant, visceral ensemble in a production of Liz Lochhead’s award-winning adaptation with the wonderful Adura Onashile in the role of Medea.

Medea will be presented as part of the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival.

Written by Liz Lochhead, after Euripides. Directed by Michael Boyd.

A National Theatre of Scotland production.

What Audiences are saying

5 Stars

... Adura Onashile’s formidable Medea...

Mark Fisher -The Guardian

5 Stars

...it has never been delivered with more ominous force than in this thrilling new staging...

Joyce McMillan -The Scotsman

4 Stars

Adura Onashile commands in a formidable, immersive experience.

Allan Radcliffe -The Times

Cast

  • Name
    Adura Onashile
    Role
    Medea
  • Name
    Robert Jack
    Role
    Jason
  • Name
    Stephen McCole
    Role
    Kreon
  • Name
    Alana Jackson
    Role
    Glauke
  • Name
    Anne Lacey
    Role
    Nurse
  • Name
    Adam Roberston
    Role
    Manservant
  • Name
    Lola Aluko
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Leyla Aycan
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Lindsey Campbell
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Janette Foggo
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Pauline Lockhart
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Wendy Seager
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Brooke Walker
    Role
    Chorus
  • Name
    Bea Webster
    Role
    Chorus

Creative team

  • Name
    Liz Lochhead        
    Role
    Writer
  • Name
    Michael Boyd
    Role
    Director
  • Name
    Tom Piper
    Role
    Set & Costume Designer
  • Name
    Colin Grenfell
    Role
    Lighting Designer
  • Name
    Janice Parker
    Role
    Movement Director
  • Name
    James Jones
    Role
    Composer and Musical Director
  • Name
    Jean Sangster
    Role
    Voice Director
  • Name
    Jaïrus Obayomi
    Role
    Assistant Director
  • Name
    Joshua Robins
    Role
    Sound Designer
  • Name
    Janet Lawson
    Role
    Fight Director
  • Name
    Vanessa Coffey
    Role
    Intimacy Coordinator

Explore

Production Shots

  • An actor stands crying against an empty background
  • The actor playing Medea stands onstage with her hands clenched in fists
  • The actor playing Medea is pushed forward by members of the chorus, towards a man in a blue suit. She appears highly distressed.
  • An actors arms are pulled in opposite directions by members of the chorus
  • An actor stands lifting her arms above her head whilst the chorus looks on
  • A woman in a dress kneels on the ground, the chorus surround her

Rehearsal Shots

  • A member of the production sits, contemplating a script
  • the actor playing Medea kneels next to their script, holding a pencil out in front of them
  • The actor playing Medea screams in a rehearsal room, script in hand
  • The actor playing Medea squats, taking direction, whilst the chorus stand in the background
  • The actor playing Medea stands on a rehearsal stage, script in hand
  • The actor playing Medea sits, looking out of a window

Access

Accessible performances

The Hub, 18 August, 8pm – BSL
The Hub, 23 August, 8pm – CAP
The Hub, 24 August, 8pm - AD
The Hub, 25 August, 3pm – Relaxed Performance

Downloads List

The National Theatre of Scotland reserves the right to alter casts, performances, seating or ticket arrangements.