Reinventing a timeless tragedy
This month, our Leeds Actors in Training take the stage with Medea – a thought-provoking new adaptation from Lizi Patch, based on The Medea of Euripides by Gilbert Murray. The Learning team are here to give us an insight into the exciting new production…
Written by Ashley Pekri
A show 2456 years in the making…
Euripides originally wrote Medea in 431 BC as part of a trilogy, of which, only Medea survived; a timeless story that will likely go on to survive at least another 2456 years!
It tells the tale of revenge; Medea is the wife of Jason (of the Argonauts) after being exiled from her homeland for killing her own brother (due to her love for Jason), exiled from Iolcus for tricking Pelias’ daughters into killing him (for the love of Jason once more) and again exiled from Corinth (for Jason to take a new bride).
Adapted and directed by Lizi Patch and choreographed by Dawn Holgate, the story is told by LHT’s Leeds Actors in Training, a studio-based vocational programme for young people aged 18-25 years.
Our ensemble take on the complex emotional states in which our protagonist is faced with through bold storytelling, movement and theatricality.
The rehearsal set for Medea. Credit: Ashley Pekri
The cast with choreographer Dawn Holgate. Credit: Ashley Pekri
Medea rehearsals. Credit: Ashley Pekri
The Medea cast in rehearsal. Credit: Ashley Pekri
LAIT’s take on the tragedy
Our approach has been organic, to say the least, with each of us taking ownership of the story, collaborating, contributing to new ideas and experimenting in the rehearsal room. It’s an approach that is integral to the foundations of what LAIT is.
At the heart of Euripides’ brutal tragedy are the themes of feminism and xenophobia, themes that are as relevant today as ever. Themes that are lost without our audiences.
In order to reach as many people as possible, and introduce new audiences to the arts we have been offering £5 tickets to schools with an optional free workshop that explores the themes and theatrical devices more closely. For schools interested in booking, please contact judith.baker@leedsheritagetheatres.com. This would be a great opportunity for Drama, English and History students to visit our historic venue and experience live theatre at an affordable rate.
For pupils interested in taking on theatre or performance as a vocation, we recommend having the LAIT programme on your radar. A studio-based vocational programme for young people aged 18-25 years, LAIT challenges and develops performance skills alongside industry-leading professionals.
The cast with choreographer Dawn Holgate. Credit: Ashley Pekri
Medea rehearsals. Credit: Ashley Pekri
The cast with director and writer Lizi Patch. Credit: Ashley Pekri
At City Varieties Music Hall, Fri 26 June 2026
Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) presents a brand new, ensemble-led adaptation of Medea, exploring the complex feminist questions at the heart of Euripides’ brutal tragedy through bold storytelling, inventive theatricality and an original score.
Find out more
Support us
Theatre For All
Help us increase our number of Accessible shows and bring the connection of live performances to new audiences.
Donate now
Name a Seat
Every seat tells a story. To keep writing the chapters, we’re inviting audiences to Name a Seat at one of our venues.
Find out more
Memberships
Join one of our membership schemes today and be the first to hear about forthcoming shows and screenings.
Join now
Gift vouchers
Give the gift of world-class live performance and cinema across The Grand, The Varieties and Hyde Park Picture House.
Buy now
