Oakland University Theatre is opening the semester with a production of “Medea.”

But for some members of the cast, the journey began thousands of miles away in Greece.

The ancient Greek tragedy, written by Euripides in 431 B.C., was developed through Oakland University’s study abroad program in June before making its way to campus this fall. The production allows students and community members to experience one of the most influential works in Western theater while connecting with a project that has already crossed international borders.

Despite being more than 2,000 years old, “Medea” continues to be performed around the world due to its exploration of human relationships, betrayal, justice and revenge. The tragedy follows Medea after her husband, Jason, abandons her, setting into motion a series of devastating events. The play’s themes have allowed it to remain relevant across generations, making it one of the most enduring works of ancient Greek theater.

Unlike many university productions, Oakland University’s “Medea” was shaped in the country where the play originated. Students and graduates participating in the study abroad program had the opportunity to explore Greece, rehearsing and studying a work that has remained a cornerstone of theatrical literature for more than two millennia. The experience connected classroom learning with firsthand exposure to Greek history and culture, providing a unique setting for the development of the production.

For DeNetria Gibson, an acting graduate portraying the title character, the experience extended beyond the stage.

“We actually put this show together in Greece for the study abroad program for June, which in itself was an amazing opportunity to explore a different country and experience a culture outside of my own,” Gibson said. “I also got to document how it feels to be a black person in a different country. 10/10 experience!”

The overseas program offered participants a different type of learning environment than they might find in a traditional rehearsal space. Working in Greece allowed cast members to engage with the material while surrounded by the landscapes and cultural influences that shaped ancient Greek drama.

“While working on the show, we spent a lot of time outside,” Gibson said. “This made the experience feel grounded and connected with the earth rather than learning in a theatre space.”

For Gibson, the production also represented an opportunity to reflect on her development as a performer. As a graduate returning to work on the show, she approached the experience differently than she would have as a student, relying on the skills and training she developed throughout her time at Oakland University.

“I feel like the experience allowed me to break through barriers that I couldn’t before,” Gibson said. “Especially since I went as a graduate and not a student, I got to use all four years of training without thinking about the actual education.”

Bringing such an emotionally demanding role to life required Gibson to embrace the intensity of the character and the story. Although the role contains extensive dialogue and complex emotional moments, she found freedom in the opportunity to fully immerse herself in the performance.

“The most rewarding part is letting myself go onstage,” Gibson said. “I love letting it all out; some would say it’s therapeutic.”

As audiences attend the production, Gibson hopes they allow themselves to connect with the story and experience the emotional journey at its center.

“I hope audiences understand the story of Medea,” Gibson said. “I hope the show can allow them to feel and go on this journey with her.”

For Gibson, the production carries an added layer of significance as her final appearance on the Oakland University stage. After years of training and performance experience, the role serves as a concluding chapter in her time with the university’s theater program.

“This is also my final show at Oakland University, so leaving it all out there one last time feels really sentimental,” Gibson said.