REVIEW: MEDEA GOSPERIA at The Cockpit 2 – 20 July 2024

‘Stunning large cast and seven-piece band’ ★★★

Billed as ‘Greek Tragedy meets Gospel Opera’, it’s cross genre but it doesn’t quite sit comfortably anywhere. It might have a stunning large cast and a seven-piece band, all quite brilliant in their own right but the production doesn’t gel into a satisfying whole. The music composition is a collaboration of the musicians and singers, all bringing their own talents, but tighter direction is needed to bring together these various styles. The show is also billed as being set in the Caribbean, with a few planters with banana shrubs as the back of the stage and some colourful clothes, it just isn't convincing. There is the feeling that this show is made up of several other shows cobbled together, which is such a pity because there is an enormous range of talent here.

The story is based on Euripides’ Greek tragedy MEDEA. First performed in 432 BC at the Festival of Dionysus it tells the story of a woman scorned. In the backstory Medea helps Jason, leader of the Argonauts, to obtain the Golden Fleece from her father, King Aeëtes of Colchis. Following this she marries Jason. The story begins with a graphic image of her brother Apsyrtus being cut into pieces and thrown into the sea. A very clever device is used to make this horror clear, and it neatly sets the scene for what is to follow. Jason betrays Medea by planning to abandon her for another wife, Glauce, and Medea takes her revenge. 

In Greek mythology, the name Medea means "planner" and "schemer". Played by Natasha Agarwal, a fabulous soprano, the searing jealousy is visceral, almost as though there are piercing green lazers shooting out from her eyes.  She is ideal for the role. However, the emotional charge that should be felt, as Medea takes her revenge on Jason’s new wife and her own sons (so that his line will be barren), doesn’t quite land.   The through line of the story is a little lost in amongst the different musical styles and the individuality of the performers.   It is difficult to feel any sympathy with any of the characters, or to be left thinking about the conflicting ethics that Euripides is exploring.

A pity, but there are other things to admire. Livia Ledda as Glauce, is beautifully expressive. Amanda White as the nurse, steals the show with her characterful stage presence, acting ability and her incredible voice and the chorus singers are delightfully harmonious, a pleasure to hear.  

MEDEA GOSPERIA at The Cockpit 2 – 20 July 2024

Presented by Thee Black Swan

Box Office: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/

Director Joseph Charles

Librettist Kay Hammond Composition The Ensemble and Sam Bergliter

Musical Director Sam Bergliter            Lighting designer

Bosco Stage Manager Sabrina Fiorini

Cast

Medea Natasha Agarwal / Namrata Shah (alternating)

Jason Sandeep Gurrapadi

The Nurse Amanda White

Creon Oscar Dom Victor Castellino

Aegeus Tom Murphy The Tutor

Alistair Scott Glauce Livia Ledda             Memeres Livi Wollaston 

Pheres Hannah Neilson – Bonini

Chorus Namarata Shah, Amanda White, Livia Ledda, Hannah Neilsen – Bonini, Livi Wollaston,Oscar Dom Victor Castellino. Alistair Scott, Tom Murphy