Thee Black Swan presents Medea Gosperia at The Cockpit in Marylebone this July, a musical retelling of Euripides’ Greek tragedy in a fusion of music styles set in the Caribbean
This July, Thee Black Swan brings an innovative musical experience to The Cockpit in Marylebone with Medea Gosperia, a unique fusion of gospel, opera, lovers rock, and jazz that reimagines Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy Medea, against the vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. The production, directed by Joseph Charles with words by Kay Hammond, will run from 2nd to 20th July.
Medea Gosperia transports the ancient story of betrayal, heartbreak, and revenge to the lush, culturally rich Caribbean islands, referred to by their historical names, Becouya (Island of the Clouds) and Aloi (Cashew Island). This setting not only provides a colourful and dynamic environment but also incorporates traditional Caribbean dance styles and music to highlight the region’s heritage.
The diverse ensemble cast of Medea Gosperia brings their own vocal lines and backgrounds into the live music performance, creating a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. The production delves into the life of Medea, an enchantress who helps her husband Jason obtain the Golden Fleece, only to be betrayed and left to plot her chilling revenge.
Joseph Charles, the founder of Thee Black Swan and the director of the show, remarked, “Euripides wrote a play thousands of years ago which is as relevant today as it was then. I wanted to work with the ensemble to represent our different rhythms, to show that all music is equally valuable and should be accessible to all. Medea is a complex and powerful character at the helm of this dramatic and emotional theatrical voyage.”
Thee Black Swan aims to bridge classical and contemporary theatre and opera, making these art forms accessible to a wide and diverse audience. The company, founded by Joseph Charles, a former Royal Shakespeare Company member, seeks to give a platform to classically trained actors and singers of diverse heritage. Charles himself has a rich history in theatre and television, including recent appearances in “Breathtaking” and the latest “Dune” film. His directing credits include notable productions like “White Witch” at Bloomsbury Theatre and “Dido and Aeneas” at Tricycle Theatre.
The creative team behind “Medea Gosperia” includes librettist Kay Hammond, composer Sam Bergliter, musical director Sam Bergliter, lighting designer Bosco, and stage manager Sabrina Fiorini. The production runs for 120 minutes, including an interval, and is suitable for ages 12 and up, though it contains scenes of graphic violence and death.
The cast includes Natasha Agarwal and Namrata Shah alternating as Medea, Sandeep Gurrapadi as Jason, Amanda White as the Nurse, Oscar Dom Victor Castellino as Creon, Tom Murphy as Aegeus, Alistair Scott as the Tutor, Livia Ledda as Glauce, Livi Wollaston as Memeres and Hannah Neilson–Bonini as Pheres, all will contribute as the chorus throughout the performance as well.
More information and tickets for Medea Gosperia can be found on The Cockpit’s website here: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/medea_gosperia
