Looking at Medea

<p>Euripides' <i>Medea</i> is one of the most often read studied and performed of all Greek tragedies. A searingly cruel story of a woman's brutal revenge on a husband who has rejected her for a younger and richer bride it is unusual among Greek dramas for its acute portrayal of female psychology. <i>Medea</i> can appear at once timeless and strikingly modern. Yet the play is very much a product of the political and social world of fifth century Athens and an understanding of its original context as well as a consideration of the responses of later ages is crucial to appreciating this work and its legacy. This collection of essays by leading academics addresses these issues exploring key themes such as revenge character mythology the end of the play the chorus and Medea's role as a witch. Other essays look at the play's context religious connotations stagecraft and reception. The essays are accompanied by David Stuttard's English translation of the play which is performer-friendly accessible yet accurate and closely faithful to the original.</p>