Students perform Greek tragedy

Rebecca Colby, 18, playing Medea, (front) with Cayley Nel, 17, shielding the two sons, Matthew and Angus Veitch, 11. Photo / Stephen Parker

Showtimes:

Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 2pm & 7.30p

Some of Rotorua's finest young actors have undertaken a mammoth feat as they prepare to bring to the stage a "heart-wrenching" Greek tale.

This year John Paul College's talented Year 12 and 13 students will be bringing to life Euripides' play Medea.

The Greek tragedy centres on the actions of Medea, a barbarian and the wife of Jason. After her husband leaves her for a Greek princess, Medea takes vengeance by killing Jason's new wife as well as her own children, after which she escapes to Athens to start a new life.

John Paul College head of drama Gabrielle Thurston said the play had a feminist element and looked at themes of betrayal and power.

"It is a very thought-provoking play that I think the audience will be able to appreciate and enjoy.

"There are some very heart-wrenching moments within the tragedy and while it's hard to watch the events unfold, audiences won't be able to look away."

Mrs Thurston said it had been great adapting and preparing the play for the stage.

"In recent years we have seen a revival of Greek theatre and it has been good to take this old play with universal themes and modernise it. The students undertook a mammoth feat but they are adults and have taken everything in their stride."

Head girl Rebecca Colby, 18, plays Medea and said it was "quite challenging to get my head around the character".

"It was a challenge getting into character but it has been a really good experience."

John Paul College's production of Medea debuts on Friday at Casa Blanca Theatre.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased from the school.