REVIEW: Motherhood goes under the microscope in Flat Earth Theatre’s powerful ‘Not Medea’
The mind can be your greatest asset or your worst enemy. Flat Earth Theatre presents Allison Gregory’s powerful, semi-interactive drama Not Medea at the Black Box at the Mosesian Theatre for the Arts in Watertown, Massachusetts through March 30. Partially based on the classic Greek myth Medea, the show runs 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets. This show has mature themes.
Juliet Bowler as Woman Photo courtesy of Flat Earth Theatre
As rain pelts an onstage window, water is caught in a bucket. This is an unintentional issue for director Elizabeth Yvette Ramirez, but this little wrinkle works well. A storm is brewing, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the storm brewing inside the mind of an overwhelmed mother portrayed convincingly by Juliet Bowler. Not without its lighthearted and sometimes relatably frank moments, Not Medea tackles love and motherhood in all its triumphs and complexity.
Allison Gregory’s Not Medea gives this classic a modern spin while cleverly keeping the earmarks of the classic intact. Not enough can be said about Juliet Bowler as Woman. She is a natural in this meaty and demanding role, navigating in a “show within a show” atmosphere. We all know this harried woman. She is rash, impetuous, and temperamental. She shares too much, talks too loud, and can’t be still only to hide that she is lost in more ways than one. She is also daring, which is indicative of her exclusively breaking the fourth wall, a modern convention usually reserved only for comedies.
Juliet Bowler as Woman and Gene Dante as Jason Photo courtesy of Flat Earth Theatre
Woman meets gallant and narcissistic Jason, portrayed with gusto and charisma by Gene Dante. They share an instant connection. However, as Woman remarks, “The Gods always have a plan.”
From child to maidservant, Cassandra Meyer skillfully takes on several roles during the production. Gentle and compassionate, she is the most impressive as Woman’s conscience.
Gene Dante as Jason, Cassandra Meyer as Chorus, and Juliet Bowler as Woman
Flat Earth Theatre continues Allison Gregory’s Not Medea through Saturday, March 30 at the Black Box at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.
Partially surrounded by a lush green lawn that gives it a campus feel, The Mosesian Center for the Arts houses a number of productions and exhibits during the year. Offering free parking and next door to Panera Bread, upcoming exhibitions include Five Stars Regional Exhibition and Please Touch the Art. The Underlings Theatre Company presents MacBeth April 5-13. Hosted by WBZ’s Jordan Rich, Upstage Lung Cancer’s annual fundraiser, Here’s the The Ladies: From Lady Day to Lady Gaga takes place for one night only on Thursday, April 18.. Click here to see all that Mosesian Center for the Arts has to offer.