Love takes centre stage: discover the powerful themes in 'Medea' and 'Lungs'

If you are looking to be swept away by a classic, look no further than “Medea”. 

This ancient Greek tragedy has been reimagined for Mzansi and is directed by Leila Henriques. 

The story centres on Jason, who, in being defeated by life’s struggles of no water and debt, decides to leave his lover Medea and marry into a wealthy family.

However, it is a decision with heavy consequences as Medea doesn’t take the betrayal well and plots her revenge. 

Henriques reveals, “It is an exploration of emotional dysregulation, betrayal and the cost of love in a world running dry. Although the play was first performed in 431 BC, it still resonates with local and global dynamics, capturing the complexities of modern-day love, betrayal, obsession, immigration and gender politics. 

“In its essence, it is a story of a breakup where the children are used as bargaining chips between the two warring parties. Adults sacrificing children for honour, wealth, power and to inflict as much pain on the other side as possible. This is relevant in the world today. Not only in love relationships but also in global politics and wars. 

“I was drawn to the original play by Euripides because of the relevance of its themes, but also because of its heightened language, heightened emotion that tells a domestic story of love, betrayal and survival.”

Meanwhile, Gerard Bester, head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, adds, “The work forces us to engage, in the most visceral way, what desperation can do to us to create havoc and destruction to those close to us and ourselves. How poverty and finding oneself unwanted in a foreign land can lead to this destruction. 

“The work demands understanding, empathy and compassion for humans who perform horrific acts under the most difficult of circumstances.”

The cast includes Gofaone Bodigelo, Londa Mkhize, Thingo Mcanyana, Jack Mabokachaba, Natasha Dube, Malcom Moloi, Andile Ngoboza and Privilege Ndhlovu.

Where: Barney Simon, Market Theatre.

When: November 27 to 30, 7pm.

Lungs

In this poignant offering, a young couple contemplates whether or not they should have a child in today’s toxic and insecure environment, beset by global warming and political unrest.

The shared lifetime unfolds as a dazzling rollercoaster ride. 

Directed by Bianca Amato, it stars Jazzara Jaslyn and Sanda Shandu.

“Lungs” is celebrated for being fiercely funny, disarmingly honest and heartbreakingly touching. It’s a love story hitched to uncertainty and chaos as life takes over. 

Where: Studio Theatre at Montecasino.

When: Runs until November 30, 7.30pm. Weekend times vary. PG-13.