Review: Don’t Look at Me: A Modern Retelling of Medusa, Lion and Unicorn Theatre

Refashionings of Greek mythology seem to be all the rage this summer and Don’t Look at Me: A Modern Retelling of Medusa doesn’t fall short. Taking the story of Medusa and Perseus, writer Anaïs Gralpolis’ adaptation imagines them through the enemies to lovers trope.

Is Medusa really a monster? Does Perseus want to cut her head off? Maybe they’ll fall in love instead. Seeking to understand each other, removed from their preconceptions, what unfolds is a romantic tale that centres around comedy. Gralpolis’ writing is littered with sarcasm, wit and an underlying tension of power dynamics and upholding reputation. Of course, the whole beheading situation complicates the matter, and the audience is perhaps reminded of that a few too many times. 

The writing only falls short towards the end, when the audience is posed with two false endings before a real one. Though understandable why they were included, adding the ‘and it was a dream’ trope feels cliche and the play would function just as well without.

Anaïs Gralpolis (Medusa) and Jude Alp (Perseus) are both great actors. However, their on stage chemistry is not always believable. Grapolis is a biting, sarcastic Medusa, who frequently gives a knowing look to the audience, strong and self-assured in her dialogue. Perseus is concerned with the consequences of not carrying out the Gods prophecy, caught between the prospect of death or killing someone he actually cares about. Their differing acting styles sometimes create a disjuncture. 

Director Julia Sopher is presented with a challenging feat; how do you stage a play where the protagonists can’t look at each other? Skillfully, she uses different methods like closing eyes, looking at the floor or having them stand back to back to overcome this issue without it ever feeling tiresome. She also manages to avoid having an actor’s back turned to the audience for prolonged periods. 

The stage design by Iza Fordham is also clever and a highlight of recent fringe shows. Mannequins covered in white fabric to give the effect of men turned to stone is ingenious and functions well for the narrative. Medusa playfully sticks some lipstick and sunglasses on them for comedic effect. The ambience of the cave is created through distressed and darkened fabric with faces moulded into them. These touches add to the ambience of the piece.

Filled with laughs and witty jokes, Don’t Look at Me: A Modern Retelling of Medusa offers a clever, comedic spin on the myth. The enemies to lovers trope works well for the play, and along with solid set design and direction, offers an hour that is both enjoyable and fun.

Directed by Julia Sopher
Written by Anaïs Gralpolis
Lighting and sound design by Faye Knight
Set and costume design by Iza Fordham

Don’t Look at Me: A Modern Retelling of Medusa has completed its run for this year’s Camden Fringe.