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A classic Greek tragedy full of complex relationships, revenge and sorcery will soon be performed by ������̳ at Mansfield Theater Department from Nov. 15-17. Featuring characters from Greek mythology, Medea tells the story of the turbulent relationship between the mythical hero Jason and his faithful wife Medea, who becomes vengeful after discovering that Jason, in an effort to better his own position in life, has planned to marry another woman. 

While the original play was written by the ancient playwright Euripides, this performance is based on a translation of the original text done by the eminent English scholar, poet and suffragist Augusta Webster.

“I think one thing that’s really wonderful about this production is that, in a way, we have resurrected a not commonly examined translation,” says Joseph Fahey, professor of theater at ������̳ Mansfield, and director of the theater program. “We modernized some of the language but kept as much of her text as we could.”

The result is a dynamic, forward-moving script that features a relevant, multifaceted perspective on the struggle of gender equality and a woman’s role in society, as well as the unimaginable choices that people make.

“I think the Greeks had great lessons that we still have to come to terms with” says Fahey. “Questions about revenge and being so single-minded in your purpose that you aren’t willing to listen to the other side of an argument, as well as deeper questions about loyalty are reasons enough to revisit this play.”

Professor Fahey considers this play as a part of a larger project of finding and adapting works that are in the public domain.

“To edit and clarify these works as a class in a way that can be made available to any educator or person interested in producing them is important,” says Fahey, who notes that being able to adapt a story without having the restrictions of copyright is beneficial. 

“I love how there is no correct person here,” says Syd Schnell, an ������̳ student who plays Medea. “It gives a good viewpoint on what it was like to be a woman in this part of history, because you see Medea slighted in a way that only a woman could be slighted. You see her unravel and it’s kind of healing in a way.”

As with many performances done by the ������̳ Mansfield, this play features a cast and crew made up of ������̳ students, NCSC students and community members. The performances will be at Founders Auditorium, located on the ������̳ Mansfield campus. The play has no intermission, and the runtime is about 70 minutes. 

“This kind of story is important at a time when people feel like they must choose a side or see things in a certain way,” says Andrea Wittmer, head librarian at ������̳ Mansfield, who is co-directing and helped adapt the play for this performance. "To realize that life isn’t neatly categorized is important.”

The opening night will be followed by a free Friends of the Theatre reception in the lobby. Tickets are $10 general admission, $6 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online or at the theater. More information can be found at