Medea is shorthand for bad parent and monstrous mother. Phoebe Éclair-Powell reframes the story, relocating it to contemporary Peckham, where Sam (Sarah Ridgeway) is struggling as a single parent with her two young sons since Rob left her. Sam is no saint, but being young, poor and, on occasion, lashing out at the kids she loves doesn’t make her a monster.
It does, however, make her in need of help – but not the kind being offered by Tom (Alex Austin), a master’s student who lives in the upstairs flat and plays music too loudly. Music operates as both a threat and a lament in a play that offers a new perspective on an old story.
Who is really the monster here? Vulnerable Sam who leaves her children home alone? Creepy Tom? Or a world that judges young women like Sam but seldom offers a helping hand? A Greek-style chorus of three terrific performers – Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Daniel Kendrick and Anita-Joy Uwajeh – constantly comment on the action, slyly offering differing viewpoints.
Hannah Hauer-King’s slick production has plenty to grip and a rising tension – even if it fails to address holes in the script, including a visit from a friend, some geography issues and a bolted-on explanation of Tom’s behaviour. The final scene needs a complete overhaul.
This 70 minutes, however, is fuelled by genuine anger and necessary compassion. It is sparky – if not quite incendiary.
•At Soho theatre, London, until 30 July. Box office: 020-7478 0100.
