Rachael Stirling to Play MEDEA in Mike Bartlett’s Contemporary Adaptation

Citizens Theatre Media Release
For immediate use
8 August 2012


Rachael Stirling to Play MEDEA in Mike Bartlett’s Contemporary Adaptation


Citizens Theatre, Headlong and Watford Palace Theatre present
MEDEA
By Euripides
In a New Version Written and Directed by Mike Bartlett


Designed by Ruari Murchison with lighting by Johanna Town
Composition and Sound by Tom Mills
In association with Warwick Arts Centre


27 Sep – 13 Oct


Rachael Stirling will play the title role of MEDEA in a new version by Mike Bartlett which will have its world premiere at the Citizens Theatre this autumn before touring to London and across the UK.


Twice nominated for the Olivier award for Best Supporting Actress, Rachael was most recently seen on stage in THE RECRUITING OFFICER at the Donmar Warehouse.  Her other theatre credits include AN IDEAL HUSBAND (Vaudeville Theatre), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Rose Theatre, Kingston), THE PRIORY (Royal Court), UNCLE VANYA and LOOK BACK IN ANGER (Theatre Royal Bath).


Rachael’s television and film credits include recent box office hit SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN, WOMEN IN LOVE, BOY MEETS GIRL and TIPPING THE VELVET.  She has just finished shooting an episode of DR WHO written specifically for her by Mark Gatiss and will next be seen on Television screens in ITV 1’s THE BLETCHLEY CIRCLE.


Mike Bartlett, one of the UK’s most exciting and in demand young writers will also direct this contemporary staging of one of the most timeless and primal myths of western civilisation. In this chilling study of passion, love and vengeance; Bartlett transforms the wronged everywoman of Greek mythology into a recognisable and fallible woman of today.
 

Her husband Jason has left her for a younger woman and her future seems futile without him.  Alone in her marital home, Medea can’t work, can’t sleep and increasingly can’t cope. Unhinged by grief, while her son plays she plots a terrible vengeance.

This startlingly contemporary version explores the private fury bubbling under public behaviour and how in today’s world a mother, fuelled by anger at her husband’s infidelity, might be driven to commit the worst possible crime.

Mike Bartlett’s previous work with Headlong includes DECADE, EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON and a new commission for 2013. Other work includes: CHARIOTS OF FIRE (Hampstead Theatre/Gielgud), LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (Paines Plough and Royal Court) and COCK (Royal Court/Off-Broadway - Olivier Award).


Full MEDEA casting to be announced shortly.


ENDS


For more information, interview/picture requests or press tickets: Christine Muir Temporary Marketing Officer (Press) 0141 418 6233 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)


NOTES TO EDITORS

Citizens Theatre Press Night: Tue 2 Oct, 7:30pm

Post Show discussion at the Citizens: Thu 11 Oct


CITIZENS THEATRE TICKETS

£12-£19 (concessions available)
Previews £9 | Tuesdays £12 in partnership with The List
50p Tickets | 10 tickets per performance, 10 performances on sale at 10am Sat 22 Sep
NB – 50p Tickets must be bought in person at the theatre, cash only.  Terms and conditions apply.


ADDITIONAL TOUR LISTINGS

Tuesday 16 to Saturday 27 October
Watford Palace Theatre
Tickets: 01923 225671
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 30 October to Saturday 3 November
Northern Stage
Tickets: 0191 230 5151
www.northernstage.co.uk

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 November
Sherman Cymru
Tickets: 029 2064 6900
www.shermancymru.co.uk

Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 November
Warwick Arts Centre
Tickets: 024 7652 4524
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 November
Richmond Theatre
Tickets: 0870 060 6651
www.richmondtheatre.net

Wednesday 28 November to Saturday 1 December
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Tickets: 01392 493 493
www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

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