In conversation with Joseph Charles on Medea Gosperia

We spoke to Joseph Charles, director of Medea Gosperia and founder of theatre company Thee Black Swan, about the inspiring new musical experience premiering at The Cockpit Theatre in July. Blending styles of gospel, opera, lovers rock and jazz, Medea Gosperia is a new show that reimagines Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy Medea set against a vibrant Caribbean backdrop. Dramatic and provocative, it explores one of history’s most infamous characters, and retells the story of tragedy, heartbreak, and revenge with original music and lyrics. 

What inspired you to mix genres of different music through Medea Gosperia?

Medea and the female equality of this story inspired me to produce this new form of opera music and ensure the words are accessible to all - to demonstrate that there should be no hierarchy or snobbery in music - it's just different rhythms and arrangements, an analogy for equality.  The name Gosperia was my thinking around the mixture of gospel and opera, and that this could bring more people to the theatre to experience opera.

Why did you want to set the musical experience in the Caribbean?

Thee Black Swan has a history of looking at classical pieces in fresh settings and the Caribbean seemed an appropriate location to fit in with the timeless mix of genres. We're raising awareness of the Islands' history and deservedly acknowledge their culture, especially by including the original names of them, Becouya meaning 'Island of the Clouds' and Aloi meaning 'Cashew Island' 

Can you describe the show in three words?

Explosive Musical Rollercoaster! 

What would you like audiences to take away from the show?

A real love for the story and the music. I want audience members from all types of backgrounds and ethnicities to see themselves represented on stage and be emotionally charged by what's happening, to feel like they are part of the debate. 

Thee Black Swan aims to make theatre and opera accessible to everyone. How does Medea Gosperia support this goal?

Medea is relevant to today's world and Euripides saw the power of women and the 'foreigner' or 'other', that deserves to be revisited and reimagined. We are representing our whole society on the stage, artists from diverse backgrounds and heritage playing major roles and showcasing the eclectic mix of musical genres. 

Medea Gosperia will premiere at The Cockpit 2 - 20 July. More info and tickets here: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/medea_gosperia