Let’s hear from the cast of Medea, which is being presented by ARTS over the next two weekends in Huntington.
The (nearly) all-female cast is loaded with all-star talent, including the wonderful Rachel Sanford. Here’s our interview with her:
Q: For those not familiar with the show, tell us about Medea.
Rachel: It is the story of a woman named Medea, who married Jason from “Jason and the Argonauts” fame. He leaves her for a young princess, and she is a smidge upset by this. The rest of the play is about how she takes her revenge on Jason, his new wife, and the King of Corinth (did I mention this is set in ancient Greece?)
Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?
Rachel: I think we can all sympathize with the themes of lost love, injustice, anger, etc. Also the story itself draws you in. Joanna Berner-Murdock does an excellent job at portraying this woman who is both justified in her anger, and demented in her vengeance.
Q: Tell us about the character you play.
Rachel: I am part of the Chorus, which is part of an ancient theatre tradition. There are several of us, and we serve as the ambassadors to the audience. We have no names, and carry out little plot, but we express much of what the audience would be thinking and saying if they were to witness the events in the real world.
Q: Has it been fun, working with an (almost) all-female cast?
Rachel: I’m not sure it’s much different to working with a mixed cast, but it has been a very enjoyable experience. It has been wonderful to see my fellow actresses highlighted in such commanding roles. Sheila Meade is so moving in her role as Medea’s Nurse. Leah Turley does an amazing job in her blocking to really accentuate and enhance the female form, which has been very empowering for the cast.
Q: What's your background in theatre?
Rachel: I did a lot of plays and musicals in high school, and studied some in college. Most recently I’ve done community theatre with Paramount and ARTS.
Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?
Rachel: I like all aspects of theatre, and I really looked forward to doing a Greek classic. I knew with the direction of Leah Turley it would be something I had never experienced in this region, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Q: Why would you recommend this show?
Rachel: There are so many reasons I would recommend this show: See it because you love literature; see it because you love modern movement; see it to hear beautiful descriptions of horrific killings; see it to discuss with your friends the nature of justice and love; see it for your yearly dose of culture. Just See It.
Thanks, Rachel!
Medea is being presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS). The classic play will be staged on Aug. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. on the ARTS Renaissance Main Stage at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only, or $30 for dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-733-2787.
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