Talisman Theatre Presents THE MEDEA EFFECT Oct. 11-20

Montreal's Talisman Theatre will present the Canadian English-language premiere of The Medea Effect at Theatre La Chapelle from October 11-20. The show was written by Quebecoise playwright Suzie Bastien and translated for Talisman Theatre by Nadine Desrochers. Emma Tibaldo directs the cast, which stars Eloi ArchamBaudoin as Ugo and Jennifer Morehouse as Ada.

In The Medea Effect, Ada is a mother who has abandoned her golden child in the midst of an emotional dementia. Ugo's greatest childhood fear has come to pass; he has been abandoned by his demented mother. What surprises us is the shock of recognizing ourselves in the mirrors of these interacting characters. When sonless mother confronts motherless son the atmosphere becomes charged. A play about the role of Euripides's play in the lives of these two characters, The Medea Effect shimmers with the sparks and flashes of profound insight penned over two thousand years ago but refracted and focused through a contemporary lens. The Medea Effect refers to Euripides' play but is a modern examination of the tragedy of trauma, emotional detachment and loss.

Talisman Theatre is renowned for its design-driven productions; Artistic Director Lyne Paquette has chosen simple stone slabs for the set to recall the stage of Ancient Greek drama. She is also working closely with video meister Johnny Ranger (Six Mil Antennas, Mindroots, Moment Factory) on some stunning and evocative video effects conveying the sand and water of the story. Completing the talented design team is lighting designer David Perreault Ninacs, composer Michael Leon, costume designer Fruzsina Lanyi, sound designer Matthew Waddell, and movement director Rasili Botz. The stage manager is Sara Rodriguez.

The Medea Effect will play 10 shows at Theatre La Chapelle, 3700 rue St. Dominique from October 11-20. Performances are at 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday with a 3 pm matinee on Saturday, October 20. For tickets, priced at $25 (regular), $21 (students) and $13 (Carte Premie?res), call 514-843-7738 or visit the La Chapelle box office online. $20 early bird discount tickets are available at Theatre La Chapelle by phone or in person until October 6 by using the code word "Ada & Ugo."

Talisman Theatre is an award-winning Montreal-based Production Company in its seventh season. Its mission is to produce English-language premie?res of contemporary Que?be?cois works, bringing the visceral intensity of Que?be?cois theatrical practice to non-Francophones. www.talisman-theatre.com

Photo Credit: JohAnna Heldebro

To post a comment, you must register and login.