Marblehead Little Theatre is bringing up the curtain on its fall play, “Medea,” and locals Niko King-Mahan and Nora Falk are part of the Greek chorus.
“Medea” is a Greek tragedy by Euripides. A former princess of the kingdom of Colchis is abandoned by her husband, Jason, who leaves to marry another woman. Enraged, Medea plots her revenge against Jason and his comrades.
Marblehead High senior Niko King-Mahan began her acting journey with MLT years ago. When she was in fifth grade, she starred in a kids’ production of “Space Pirates.” She enjoyed the experience so much and hasn’t stopped doing theater since.
When auditions for “Medea” were announced, the Greek mythology fan could not pass up the opportunity.
“It’s my favorite play, ”she said.
Falk has always been a passionate singer. While growing up in Vienna, Falk said she sang in her high school choir, a punk/blues band and the odd jazz club.
She didn’t start performing in theater until 2001, when she moved to the United States. Her very first show was “The Sound of Music” at MLT. Falk has done several shows with MLT Since, including “The Diary of Anna Frank” (2014) and “The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI” (2024).
Falk and King-Mahan are part of the Greek chorus with two other women. They range in age from 18 to 80.
Throughout rehearsals, King-Mahan said the four women have focused on group work until they’re added to other scenes with the principal actors.
“We’ve managed to find a series of very good contrasts and moments of synchrony between us,” King-Mahan said.
Falk explains the chorus’ job in the story as narrator to both the audience and characters, voicing opinions and critiques.
“My favorite bit is that after all the murder and mayhem, we have the last word,” Falk said.
“Medea” is directed by Jon Kinney, from Salem, who has directed several shows in Boston and the North Shore.
Kinney said he designed the production to immerse audiences in the action.
“I want people to feel invested and involved,” he said.
Falk said Kinney has worked closely with everyone. They have focused on spacing, understanding the complex Greek text and working with an intimacy coordinator.
“Jon has managed to create an open, honest and gentle atmosphere,” Falk said.
Kinney says the “Medea” is a show about betrayal and its consequences with themes examining how women are treated by men in positions of power.
That’s what makes the play compelling more than 2,000 after it was written.
“It’s a lovely, emotional, invigorating piece about female rage and how morality isn’t always black and white,” she said. “Nor is the title of ‘hero’ always given to those it should be.”
“Medea” plays at Marblehead Little Theatre from Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 18. The show contains mature themes. It’s recommended for teens and up. Tickets are available at mltlive.org.
