Howard Community College Student Theatre Production Selected for Prestigious Kennedy Center Festival
For the third time in nine years, Howard Community College’s (HCC) theatre program has been selected to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), running January 24-27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. HCC’s production of “Medea” by Euripides will serve as the opening keynote performance and marks the festival's only performance by a community college.
HCC’s “Medea” is an adaptation from Euripides’ original 431 BC play. "Our ‘Medea’ is a unique experience for a classical Greek play," says Jenny Male, director of the production and associate professor of theatre & stage movement. “The language has been artfully adapted for modern audiences, and the stage will pulsate with Randai movement and the rhythmic cadence of two percussionists. This is not just a play; it's a journey through time, melding classical Greek drama with the enchanting storytelling style of Indonesia.”
In the play, after being slighted by her husband, Jason, the titular Medea takes vengeance on those who have wronged her. Jenny Male adapted the play not only for understanding and pacing, but also added influence from southeast Asia to stylize the production with dance, drumming, and a bit of humor.
After the curtain falls on the opening performance, twenty-three students from the college will attend a series of workshops and audition opportunities to prepare for a theatre career. In addition to rehearsing for “Medea,” students prepare monologues, two-person scenes, and musical theatre performances to gain meaningful feedback. HCC students will also submit work for a stage management evaluation.
The college’s production of “Medea” and students participating in other festival programs will be eligible for national and regional recognition. With three invitations to attend over the past decade, HCC stands tall as an emblem of excellence in the regional theatre landscape. As the curtains rise in Pittsburgh, the world will witness not just a performance, but a testament to the magic happening in Dragon Country. The journey is poised to be legendary, and the applause well-deserved.
HCC belongs to KCACTF Region 2, including colleges and universities from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, the District of Columbia, New York, and Northern Virginia.
The HCC Theatre Department offers relevant and educational on and off-stage experiences for students and community members to augment classroom learning and provide valuable performing opportunities. For more information about HCC’s Student Theatre Program and upcoming performances, please visit HowardCC.edu/StudentTheatre
Congratulations! Amazing.
Impressive! Loving seeing this.