FARMINGTON – “I have done it because I loathed you more than I loved them. Mine the triumph.”

These are the words spoken by the Greek tragic figure Medea to her unfaithful husband Jason in the final scene of Theatre UMF’s production “Medea.”

This famous Greek tragedy by Euripides, with a modern translation by American poet Robinson Jeffers, will be the first production of the troupe the first week of March.

“Medea” has very intense characters and a plot that eventually leads to the unimaginable crime of a mother killing her two children as an act of retribution and revenge against her husband.

Peter Simmel, associate professor of theater, said, “I wanted to direct a period piece that required a specific acting style and would provide both a challenge for the students, myself and the audience.”

Though Greek tragedies are often difficult to stage and cast, the modern translation by Jeffers, with the long passages deleted or reduced, makes the play very accessible for everyone, especially the audience. The original production of the Jeffers translation was done in 1947 with John Gielgud in the role of Jason and Judith Anderson as Medea.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4; Friday, March 5; and Saturday, March 6. A matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for students. The play does have a mature theme and is suited for children older than 13. For tickets, call 778-7465; tickets may also be purchased at each performance.