The free performances (show time is 6:30 PM) will run through July 17 and will play the East River Park Amphitheatre July 12-13, the Naumburg Bandshell July 14 and the Chernuchin Theatre July 17.

Euripides' classic play, directed by Nichole Hamilton, features Danijela Popovic as Medea with Devin Moriarity, Andrew Block, Luke Vedder, Eric Liu, Ruth Priscilla Kirstein, Vassilea Terzaki, Debby Skaler, Hollis Beck, Danielle LaPonsie, Kimberly DiPersia, Emily Eden, Alexandra Milne, Zenon Zeleniuch, Leo Goodman, Bryce Edward Walsh and Marcus Watson.

First produced in 431 B.C, Medea, according to press notes, "is the classic story of the jealousy and revenge of a woman betrayed by her husband. The play takes place in Corinth where Jason brought Medea, a barbarian, after she, out of love, used her sorceress’s powers to help him obtain the Golden Fleece from her father King Aeetes. As the play unfolds, Jason abandons Medea and promises marriage to the daughter of Creon, King of Corinth. Fearing her temper, Creon orders Medea banished. Medea then pleads with him to remain in the Greek world. When he refuses, she begs for one more day in Corinth which Creon grants. It is on this fatal day that Medea’s rage toward Jason drives her to commit an exacting and anguished revenge."

Euripides produced Medea along with his lost plays Philoctetes, Dictys, and the satyr play Thersitae. Medea won the third prize (out of three) at the Great Dionysia Festival in Athens. The play has inspired multiple artists to perform adaptations including playwright Jean Anouilh and composers Darius Milhaud and Samuel Barber. Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1970 film version of Medea starred the legendary Maria Callas in her only screen appearance. Other Medeas have been portrayed by Sarah Bernhardt, Katrina Paxinou and Zoe Caldwell.

American Thymele Theatre, founded by producing artistic director Stephen Diacrussi, was created to promote Hellenic culture in America. It has produced a wide variety of works including some in their original 19th century Greek, as well as a popular comedy festival and a 50th anniversary revival of Maxwell Anderson’s Barefoot in Athens. The East River Park Amphitheatre is located at the FDR Drive overpass at Cherry Street to East River Park (south of Delancy Street); the Naumburg Bandshell is located at Central Park Mall; and the Chernuchin Theatre is located at 314 W. 54th Street between 8th and 9th avenues.

For more information, call (212) 868-4444 or visit www.AmericanThymeleTheatre.yolasite.com.