MEDEA’S REVENGE

School of Theatre and Dance production features student designers

Two East Carolina University students have helped set the stage for the School of Theatre and Dance production of “Medea.”

One of the most frequently performed Greek tragedies, “Medea” recounts the story of Medea’s revenge against her husband Jason, who takes a new wife. It will be presented Sept. 29-Oct. 4 in McGinnis Theatre.

The show will feature student designers Sebastien Oliveros-Tavares and Justin Gibson, both seniors in the theatre program. Oliveros-Tavares designed the set, while Gibson created the lighting for the show directed by ECU associate professor Gregory Funaro.

Jeff Woodruff, managing director of the Playhouse Theatre, said it’s rare to have students designing both the set and lights for a main stage production.

While Oliveros-Tavares and Gibson have designed for other shows previously, this is their first main stage production. They agreed that collaboration was key to the show’s success.

Set designer Sebastein Oliveros-Tavares.

“Lighting can do so much for the set, whether it’s indicating the time of day or creating an atmosphere of tension. I strongly believe that Justin brought my set to life,” said Oliveros-Tavares.

The students began working on “Medea” in the spring and began building for the show in the fall. Because the show was originally performed thousands of years ago, Oliveros-Tavares and Gibson were allowed to be creative in their designs.

“In the first performances, there was only natural light, so it was a creative challenge to design lighting for this show,” Gibson said. “There’s a few different lighting changes, but most are subtle.”

Balancing academics with designing has not always been easy. “The spring semester was really tough for me,” Oliveros-Tavares said. “There’s a delicate balance between show responsibilities and schoolwork.”

“It’s been stressful at times, but all doable,” Gibson said. “The professors are very understanding and helpful. I’ve also learned a lot about time management while working on this show.”

Lighting designer Justin Gibson.

Despite the challenges, Oliveros-Tavares said he has grown from the experience. “There’s something very surreal about creating something and watching it come together,” he said.

Oliveros-Tavares and Gibson said they hope audiences will enjoy and perhaps learn from the production.

“I think audiences will leave with a better understanding of the gender roles present during this era in Greek history,” said Gibson.

“There are great musical qualities to the show, which sets it apart from other productions,” said Oliveros-Tavares. “I also believe that audiences will get a strong sense of female empowerment.”

Performances are nightly at 8 p.m., except for Sunday, Oct. 2, which will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance. A parent advisory is suggested.

Tickets are $15 and $10 youth/student and are available online at www.ECUARTS.com and by calling (252) 328-6829.

A glimpse of the “Medea” set with the Nurse played by Casey Scarboro.