Medea

score by Gordon Kerry
libretto by Justin Macdonnell after Seneca
Instrumentation sop., mez., ten., bar., vlc., fl; perc., pf/synth.
This operatic retelling of the ancient and elemental tale of passion and revenge draws upon Seneca's visceral Roman rendition. Medea is a victim of xenophobia and personal betrayal, despised as a foreigner and betrayed by her lover Jason.
Gordon Kerry's score, for flute, cello, percussion and keyboards, is a triumph of power and economy. In the world premiere performance Merlyn Quaife's Medea held audiences enthralled for a virtuosic 70 minutes, as the work moved inexorably towards its devastating conclusion.
"Compelling, fascinating, and above all, entertaining..." Herald-Sun
World Premiere Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, April 1993. Directed by Douglas Horton, musical direction by Mark Summerbell, designed by Trina Parker (sets) Jacqui Everitt (costumes) & Efterpi Soropos (lighting).