Black Medea

Black Medea was performed by WAAPA Aboriginal Acting Students, as the culmination of their yearlong course and crewed, built and designed by WAAPA Production and Design students.

An adaptation of Euripides classic tale, this version, by Wesley Enoch, blends Ancient Greek and Australian indigenous culture. Medea sacrifices her connection to country and family links to pursue love - a disastrous decision.

The set, by Ruby Trevor Mills, with its pile of dirt feels quintessentially Australian and emphasises the links to the land, as do Clay Chase’s earth toned costumes on the Greek Chorus. Declan Fyneman provided an emotive lighting design. Cellist Heidi Hill sitting onstage underscored the production with an original composition that emphasised the poetry and emotion of Enoch’s words - a stunning and moving aspect of this production.

Central character Medea is played by Brodie Christie in a stellar portrayal. While her accent is unmistakably Australian, this young actress has the diction and poise of a RADA trained Shakespearian actress - a joy to watch and a beautiful anchoring performance. She is well supported by Sedriece Kickett as husband Jason, upright and business like, and Conway Chunnary as her child.

The remaining cast, Georgina Coulson, Kalani Buckle, Reese Horne. Aaliyah Ninyette, Shakalla Hadland and Shquita Nannup work seamlessly together and move well, to create a Greek Chorus.

A beautiful and moving production that thoroughly entertained. 

Kimberley Shaw.

Photographer: Stephen Heath