The myth of Medea has been a profound source of inspiration for 20th- and 21st-century artists with drastically different aesthetics: everyone from Leonard Baskin to Margaret Atwood has been inspired by the tale of the mother who murdered her children to avenge her ill treatment at the hands of her husband. One of the latest to reinterpret this brutal but compelling storyline is Chicana playwright Cherrie Moraga—her play The Hungry Woman draws heavily on the tragedy. However, Moraga's piece incorporates other elements and influences, including Mexican and Aztec folklore, and subtle but incisive commentary on race, sexuality, feminism and politics. Moraga also had a hand in the production of the play itself: the celebrated writer traveled eastward to participate in the several rehearsals. Directed by Dora Arreola.
Presented by the UMass Theater Department, at the Curtain Theater, May 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 at 8 p.m. and May 3 and 10 at 2 p.m., Curtain Theater, Fine Arts Center, 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst, www.umass.edu/theater/season.html, (413) 545-3490.
