This November, from Friday 15th till Sunday 17th, Teatru Manoel presents its own production of Euripides’ MEDEA in a version by Ben Power. We spoke to the show’s director, Bettina Paris, and Becky Camilleri, who will be playing the role of Medea, to find out more about MEDEA and how they feel about working on such an iconic and epic text.

The story of Medea has been staged and adapted many times. What would you say is unique and exciting about this production?

Bettina: This adaptation by Ben Power has never been staged in Malta before, and it does a wonderful job of bringing Medea’s story into the 21st Century - without getting rid of any of the tragedy. But even beyond the adaptation, the story of Medea is so touching because Euripides chose to forgo stories of the gods and mythical tales, and he created very real and grounded tragic characters. Our production will hopefully be relatable to Maltese audiences through the story’s exploration of family, heartbreak, and retribution.

Becky: At a very basic level, I would say it’s compelling because it features some of Malta’s most exciting and talented actors, and in a variety of ages and dynamics, so we all bring something different to the production.  And there’s some impressive work happening on the creative team too: Matteo Depares has created an entirely original soundtrack, and Sandra Mifsud is leading movement, both of which are integral to the piece. On a deeper level, though, without changing the text, our production is quite clearly localised to Malta in 2024. This means that audiences will be able to recognise themselves or people that they know in the story and the characters. At the end of the day, the story is a domestic one: it centres around Medea and Jason and the horrible heartbreak that follows their separation.

With all these impressive people on the team, what have rehearsals been like?

Bettina: This is my first time directing a classic text or a play that is epic, both in its content and its scale. That means it’s also my first time working with such a big cast and crew! I was a bit nervous about it at first, but those nerves quickly dissipated once we began rehearsals. This team has been fantastic to work with.

Becky: The chorus is central to MEDEA, so establishing both trust and a sense of play amongst the cast and the ensemble from the start was crucial. Bettina has come into the production with a really clear vision, and the process is really bringing the best out of all of us. The rehearsals are a nice mix of table work and attacking the text and then some great physical exercises and choreography too that have us excited to get the piece onto the stage.

Speaking of the stage, does the fact that MEDEA is being staged at Teatru Manoel have an impact on the piece?
Bettina: Of course it does! The scale of the Teatru Manoel – both the stage and the auditorium – is so grand that it should factor into any piece of theatre. In terms of design, we had to think about the size and height of our stage and use it in the most effective way, but we’re also thinking about the different eras in conversation with each other: Ancient Greece from the original story, the Baroque elements of the building, and themes from both 2014 when Ben Power adapted the story, and of course today, 2024, when it is being staged. It factors into how we’ve been rehearsing too, trying to fuse a naturalistic style of acting with projecting up to the back of the galleries. If you think about it, it’s not too far off from how they would have been performing in Ancient Greek amphitheatres...

And Becky, how does it feel to be taking on such a big role on the Teatru Manoel stage?

Becky: Well, it feels very overwhelming, but at the same time it is a real honour. Medea is a once-in-a-lifetime role for any actor, definitely a bucket list role. I’m feeling the pressure but I feel very safe with the team and I can’t wait to bring this character to life on the stage.

For more information about MEDEA and to book your tickets, visit the Manoel Theatre website or call the Teatru Manoel Box Office at (+356) 21246389.

 Are you looking forward to this staging of MEDEA?