New 'Medea' translation to be performed

A collaborative new translation of Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy, “Medea” will make its World Premiere in Grand Rapids. Diane Rayor, Grand Valley professor of Classics, developed the new English translation that will be published by Cambridge University Press. She has previously translated Sophocles’ “Antigone” (Cambridge University Press, 2011) and “Homeric Hymns” (University of California Press, 2004.)

A production of Heritage Theatre Group, performances will take place July 12-14 and July 19-21 at 8 p.m. at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theater.

 Rayor has worked closely with the production’s director Karen Libman, Grand Valley professor of theater. Together they have worked tirelessly to make adjustments to the script in order to keep the translation honest, accessible and at its theatrical best. The revision process began with 12 hours of workshop sessions with actors in February.

The drama “Medea” involves a woman with partial goddess powers who is betrayed by the love of her life, for whom she sacrificed everything. Many underlying themes, including jealousy, revenge, materialism and corrupted love, bring depth and richness to the story.

The production includes original music by Todd Lewis and cast members Sheryl Despres, Michael Dodge, Jery Borths, Christopher Weaver, Scott Wright, Mark Moran, Kim McDaniel, Stacy Schram, CJ Namenye and Amy Groen.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and $8 for students, and can be purchased at www.heritagetheatregr.org or by calling (616) 951-4842. The production is supported in part by grants from Grand Valley’s Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence and the Grand Rapids Arts Council.