OCR Text |
Show M ' 'MEDEA" EDEA," one of the greatest of Greek tragedies written by Euripides, was presented to the drama-loving public of the city by the Senior class of '29 of the University of Utah. The character of Medea, portrayed by Jasmine Romney in a very impressive manner, depicted a charming sorceress of great cunning. Jason, played by Halbert Greaves, was a prince who had suffered many misfortunes at the hands of the present ruler, who had brought about the death of Jason's father. Jason demanded that his birthright be given to him and was informed that he would receive it when he returned with the Golden Fleece. With the aid of Medea, the sorceress whom he met and wooed, he was able to obtain the Golden Fleece and to come back to his country alive. The king withdrew his promise, but in retribution was killed by his own daughters. All was well until Jason, urged on by his selfish desires to gain more power for himself, saw the advantages that a marriage with the daughter of Creon would bring. Creon was at that time the ruler of the city of Corinth; the part of this haughty king was admirably played by LaMar Holmes. Jason deserted Medea, who had made him great, leaving with her their two children, and turned his affections toward the princess. Her father finally consented to Jason's marrying her, and the time for the bridal ceremony was set. Medea, learning of his infidelity to her, determined to avenge herself as effectively as she possible could. To this purpose she employed all the magic in her power to bring about Jason's downfall and to ruin his happiness. Consequently she prepared an acid which would burn human flesh as soon as it came into contact with it. With this powerful substance, she covered a crown and mantle which she sent to the betrothed princess by the two children. When this attire was placed on Creusa, she was burned to death by a ravening fire which also enveloped her father when he vainly attempted to rescue her. Medea then killed her two young children in cold blood and left them, that Jason might grieve over their loss. Fully avenged, she fled to Athens in a chariot drawn by fiery dragons, leaving her faithless husband in ruin and desolation to the torments and punishments of his own conscience. This play met with the enthusiastic approval of all who saw it, and the director, Mr. Joseph F. Smith, was complimented on his fine work, as was the cast of "Medea." The field of Greek drama is one of the most difficult for amateurs to enter, but this attempt at Euripides was termed worthy of experienced professional actors and met with much favorable comment by art lovers. Jasmine Romney as Medea The Cast Page 135 |