Writing Middlegame has been a transformative journey, driven by a desire to explore women’s place in the world through the lens of theatre. At its heart, the play explores themes of power, betrayal, and resilience, inspired by Euripides’ Medea.
Photo by Clay Banks from Unsplash
I began this project during a time of profound social and political upheaval. The years following 2016 brought civil rights issues to the forefront, alongside fear-driven narratives of xenophobia and division. Against this backdrop, Medea—a story I’ve been captivated by since college—took on new resonance. Its portrayal of a woman grappling with betrayal and reclaiming agency felt hauntingly relevant in today’s charged atmosphere.
For those unfamiliar, Medea, written in 431 BCE, tells the story of a former princess whose husband, Jason, abandons her for another. In response, Medea exacts a devastating revenge, underscoring themes of love, loyalty, and the destructive consequences of betrayal. Her actions are deeply rooted in the mythological tale of Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece—a story of ambition, survival, and sacrifice.
Jason, the rightful heir to the throne of Iolcus, was denied his birthright when his uncle Pelias seized power, killing all of Jason’s siblings except him. Hidden and raised by the centaur Chiron, Jason returned as an adult to reclaim his throne. Pelias agreed on one condition: that Jason retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. This perilous journey, aided by the goddess Athena, led to the formation of the Argonauts—a legendary crew of heroes—and set the stage for Medea’s own extraordinary tale of love and betrayal.
The convergence of these ancient myths and contemporary struggles informed every step of creating Middlegame. By drawing on the enduring themes of Medea, I aimed to craft a story that resonates with modern audiences while honoring the timeless complexities of human resilience and the quest for agency.
