Witch? Refugee? Tragic hero? Natalie Haynes talks Medea

The story of Medea has been popular since antiquity and continues to endure today. Not least because big names want what’s undoubtedly one of the meatiest female roles in theatre. Meatiest in its most gruesome sense, as Medea is most famous for killing her children in order to get revenge on her faithless husband.  Or at least that’s the headlines. It is, of course, more complicated (if no less horrifying) than that, so our Mick was delighted that author, broadcaster and classicist Natalie Haynes’ latest novel, No Friend to This House, is her take on the Medea story.   They talk Medea as witch and midwife, Medea as refugee, the power of love, the dangers of motherhood and why Medea has proven so endlessly fascinating to storytellers and story listeners alike.  No Friend to This House is published by Mantle on Thursday 11 September, but available for pre-order now. And you can find out where near you Natalie is touring by following her on X @officialnhaynes and on Insta @nataliehaynesauthor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices