The mythology of Medea has captivated civilisations for centuries with its thrilling portrayal of family, revenge and betrayal. This May, the classical story gets an update by Queensland Theatre with its new production, Medea. While the tale tends to focus on Medea and the bloody end of her marriage, this new play pivots the story and recasts Medea’s young sons as the main characters, swapping Ancient Greece for the dynamics of modern Australia.

The play follows 10-year-old Jasper and 12-year-old Leon – who are strikingly just like most brothers you know. They fight. They laugh. They play games. Their bedroom is their fortress: home to Cornelius (their goldfish), watched over by Hercules (their teddy bear) and adorned with a ceiling of glow-in-the-dark stars. One day, their door is locked shut, their parents’ shouting is getting louder and unbeknownst to them, everything is about to change. Will they meet the iconic fate that has cemented them in mythology as two of the most tragic siblings of all time?

Told entirely from the perspective of Medea’s young sons, this internationally celebrated version of the Ancient Greek tragedy was penned by Aussie writer Kate Mulvany (Jasper Jones) and Anne-Louise Sarks whilst this production is directed by the incomparable Daniel Evans (Drizzle Boy, The Almighty Sometimes).

This is reimagining of history’s most misunderstood mother in an unforgettable and poignant performance that is not to be missed.