The passion project of Thee Black Swan Theatre Company, Media Gosperia is a brave curio that pushes the envelope in terms of the meshing of genres and musical styles. Transposing the Greek myth of Medea to the modern Caribbean, the setting lends itself to rich possibilities musicwise – advertised as ranging from gospel and opera to lovers rock and jazz.

Natasha Agarwal and Namrata Shah play Medea on alternative nights, accompanied by Sandeep Gurrapadi, cast as estranged husband Jason. Both roles feature technically proficient singing in an operatic style, conveying heightened emotions and the presence of larger-than-life figures. While not the official main focus of the show, Amanda White’s Nurse and Livia Ledda’s Galuce make a significant impression on the audience, along with King Creon (Oscar Castellino), Tutor (Alistair Scott), Aegeus (Tom Murphy), Memeres (Hannah Neilson-Bonini) and Pheres (Livi Wollaston).

As for the musicians – Keith Mcintosh (keyboards), Steve Haworth (guitar), Perry Melius (drums), Bas Lee (Cello) and Lydia Kenny (violin and saxophone) – one can tell they are very gifted and adept in their versatility. But while the audience hears them play some tunes before the show that have nothing to with Gosperia, it’s a shame that we don’t get to hear them ‘cut loose’, playing up to the full potential that the advertised music genres offer. Gosperia is a taut show that deals in the broad strokes of the original myth. There’s certainly potential to expand on the show’s ‘book’ and experiment more with the different types of singing – and to also not be so dependent on opera as the bedrock for the show.

© Michael Davis 2024

Medea Gosperia runs at The Cockpit Theare until 20th July.