“Classics are classics for a reason, and stories like this have given humanity a lifetime of adventure.”
-Lawrence Long
Lawrence Long, the director of Tri-School Productions, has begun the production of the fall play Argonautika. The story follows Jason as he guides his crew, called the Argonauts, through fantastical monsters and mythological gods to retrieve the golden fleece, retained by a victorious King Aeetes. The play is narrated by Athena and Hera as they guide the Argonauts through their trials and tribulations. In addition, a cunning sorcerous Medea is forced by fate to fall in love with Jason and be the key to the crew’s success.
Cast and crew members are the main support for the show due to their constant involvement in set design and staging ideas. Their ability to “work together with no one getting on each other’s toes or pushing their personal agenda” has enabled Mr Long to “change or add little bits of lines or funny things the cast” has done during rehearsals, bringing a uniqueness to the show. Mary Zimmerman, the original producer of Argonautika, produced the show in such a highly adaptable way that scenes and actions of actors can be adjusted to allow for personal flair in the show, leaving the Tri-School Production’s mark on it.
During an exclusive interview with Serra senior Jonah Buan, he shares insight about Jason, his lead character. Jason is the young hero and protagonist in the play.
“[Jason’s journey] is not like the normal hero’s journey,” shared Buan. Unlike regular heroes that are defined by their strengths, Jason is defined by his vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are evident in his relationship with the young sorceress Medea.
“Medea has two sides to her, the quiet, innocent side, in contrast with the driven, witty, confident side who knows what she wants and is not afraid to stand up for herself,” said Medea’s actress, played by senior Abby McDevitt. The dynamics between these complex leading characters provide romance, laughter, and tragedy in a modern twist to a Greek classic.
Tri-School Productions will put on the play on the weekends of October 17th-18th and October 24th-25th. Tickets went on sale Monday, September 15. Pricing for minors and seniors will be $15, and for adults it will be $20. For more information, visit the Tri-School Productions website: “trischool.ludus.com”
