Austin Shakespeare Features Professor Franchelle Stewart Dorn

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February 8, 2016

The Greek tragedy Medea by the irreverent Euripides slashes across the stage with the revenge of a woman scorned, starring nationally-acclaimed classical actress and University of Texas at Austin professor, Franchelle Stewart Dorn in the title role. Presented by Austin Shakespeare, Medea runs February 17 through March 6, 2016, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Based upon the Greek legend, after betraying her family to get the Golden Fleece for the hero, Jason, he brings Medea and their sons to Corinth where he unexpectedly decides to marry the princess. Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Medea exacts her revenge.

Artistic Director, Ann Ciccolella said, “This brilliant modern verse translation of a brutal story hangs on how the tragedy happens. We are thrilled to bring the acting power of Fran Dorn back to Austin with a powerful cast that includes some of our finest actors.”

In addition to her teaching at the university, Dorn has been performing professionally, spending much of last year in repertory at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She has played "Dr. Rita Madison" in the NBC daytime’s Another World, and "Attorney Alanis Joiner" on NBC's Law and Order and appeared in films Die Hard with a Vengeance and Pelican Brief. She also was a leading actress at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. In Austin, she has been seen as “Martha” in her award-winning performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Dorn holds an M.F.A. degree from the Yale University School of Drama.

Newer to Austin is Erik Mathew, who plays the legendary hero, "Jason." Mathew won Austin Shakespeare’s audiences over as the love interest in Stoppard’s The Invention of Love last season. Off-Broadway: As You Like It (The Public Theater, Shakespeare in the Park). Regional credits include: “Banquo” in Macbeth, “Oliver” in As You Like It (Independent Shakespeare Company), “Leontes” in The Winter’s Tale, “Macduff” in Macbeth (Delaware Shakespeare Festival), and “Erik” in the world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s O Beautiful (Utah Shakespeare Festival).

The creative team includes Jim Hankinson (Composer), Greg Bolin (Music Director), Tara Houston (Scenic Designer), Patrick Anthony (Lighting Designer), Emily Gilardi (Costume Designer) and University of Texas alumna Toni Bravo (M.A. 1987) (Choreographer).

Learn more about the production online at thelongcenter.org/event/medea