Have you ever wanted to hear the thoughts of one of the most infamous mythological beings? Well, now you can. Soulpepper Theatre is partnering with Toronto’s leading immersive theatre company, Outside The March, to stage Medusa, a bold new Canadian work.
Medusa delves into the myth like audiences have never seen before. Using headphones, audiences are placed directly inside Medusa’s mind, hearing her inner thoughts and the voices of her serpents as the story unfolds, creating a deeply personal and unforgettable theatre experience.
This contemporary retelling of Medusa challenges long-held perceptions of one of Greek mythology’s most misunderstood figures, exploring themes of female rage, power and transformation through a fresh and emotionally complex lens.
“I’ve always been both terrified and exhilarated at the thought of Medusa,” says playwright Erin Shields. “She lives a solitary life in a cave and yet she is hunted by men because her very existence threatens the status quo…This play is an exploration of the cost of swallowing the rage and the cost of setting it free,” she explains.
Through inventive staging and electrifying live performances, Medusa is visceral and cinematic leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience.
The director, Mitchell Cushman, elaborates on the significance of the audio component. “We have designed the audio experience of the show to offer the audience a playful, intimate access into Medusa’s inner life – what makes her tick and the revolution she is brewing against the forces trying to stifle her.”
Cushman adds that Shields wanted to personify Medusa’s snakes, an idea that was actualized through sound. “It is an exciting approach to immersive theatre making that I think will be fun and compelling for the audience,” he says.
Running alongside the Toronto Fringe Festival, Medusa takes the Soulpepper Theatre stage June 19 to July 12. Tickets start at $48 and can be purchased on Soulpepper’s website.
