Before heading to IndyFringe, we had some mixed feelings on theater. Call it judgmental, call it closed- minded, call it just plain idiocy, but a short snippet of our conversation before we headed to the IndyFringe Basile Theater last Friday night was, “I really respect theater and I wish I “got it” more, but a lot of times I just don’t think I understand it.”

We couldn’t be more thrilled to report how stupid that statement is after seeing Jason and (Medea) at IndyFringe. And we couldn’t be happier to say that we are officially theater-embracers, and owe our thanks for the mind-shift to the talented folks who make up the theater fabric of Indianapolis, especially at IndyFringe and the Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project.

Because we’re dummies who shouldn’t be trusted to provide an in-depth critique of theater (see our above quote…) we’ve put together a list of the 15 reasons you should spend $15 to go see Jason and (Medea).

Spoiler alert: when the play finished, we stood, we cheered, and we immediately hated ourselves for being judgmental of theater.

The talent. Four people + lots of characters + awesome talent = Great Theater. It’s hard to think that simply tying a dress a different way could completely transform an actress, but that’s precisely what happens here. With simple appearance changes, the talented cast manages to embody a variety of characters convincingly. The talent runs deep, and for such a small cast, that is truly a feat.

The music. Was that a mixing bowl? Is she using a violin bow? What is that sound?! These thoughts were just a sampling of what crossed our minds as the ethereal music accompanying Jason and (Medea) played out. Sometimes barely audible, sometimes raucous, always improvised… the music added to this play in a way we couldn’t have imagined.

The humor. We laughed out loud multiple times throughout this show. The witty mix of old English with a slew of expletives provided a pleasant juxtaposition and encompassed precisely what a modern play can be. How can you not be thrilled when Medea tells Jason “If you leave me, I’ll beat the shit out of you.”? Get it, girl.

The story/script This play provides deep perspective on what it means to love and be loved. A common thread woven throughout the play is the matter of Medea giving her whole heart away to Jason, rather than, as her mother suggests, keeping at least a part of it for herself. The play helps to examine and challenge what it means to be in a relationship and exposes how we tend to lose a part of who we are as we invite others to love us, leave us, and potentially hurt us. If you’ve ever loved with abandon, been hurt, or seen yourself or a loved one change who they are based on the relationship they are in, this plot line is extremely relatable (and heartbreaking). The further examination of investing your whole self and whole heart into another who doesn’t return the sentiment is one that anyone who has been on the wrong side of a lopsided relationship (whether romantic or otherwise) will be able to relate to.

Try something new. If you’re not trying new things, you’re not expanding your horizons. If you’re not expanding your horizons, you’re being boring. Don’t be boring.

Explore Mass Ave. IndyFringe has two theaters — the IndyFringe Basile Theatre and the Indy Eleven Theatre — both located at 719 E. St. Clair St, just steps away from Mass Ave. Take advantage of the location and try a new place for dinner before the show (may we suggest Mimi Blue Meatballs?), and grab a drink post-show.

To have a fun debate. As we left IndyFringe and enjoyed post-show dinner and drinks, we spent much of our meal debating and discussing the show. It was one of the best meals on recent record amongst the Trndy Indy writing team.

For a fun option on your next date. Especially if you’re looking to have a wonderfully awkward first date experience of watching some pretty fantastically choreographed on-stage sex. There is truly no better building block for a budding relationship.

Girls night. Come for a fun ladies night out, leave feeling more empowered than after you heard Beyonce’s “Flawless” for the first time. Do it to it, chicas.

Support the arts. IndyFringe exists to “encourage, support and assist independent artists by providing an accessible & affordable outlet that draws diverse elements of the community together and inspires creative experience.” IndyFringe not only has a place in Indy, it completely belongs in Indy. We left the play filled with pride that such a modern and interpretive play was being staged here. Shuck the “conservative midwest” mentality and see a prime example of how Indy is squarely planting itself in the Keep Indy Indie

Support DePauw. While Camryn is a Butler grad, Molly never resists a moment to dole out some DPU pride. Amy Hayes brings her talents from the DePauw University theater stage in Greencastle to Indianapolis and doesn’t skip a beat. Proud to call her a Tiger.

Cheaper than going to a movie. Plus there’s wine and beer!

Because you love Greek mythology. Especially when that mythology is modernized. Spoiler Alert: This play ends with the line “Bitches be crazy.” Not exactly the Greek literary prose we were expecting, but we’ll take it and we’ll laugh out loud at it.

Because other people said so. Don’t want to take our word for it? Listen to people who know a lot more than we do. From Chicago Theatre Beat, “Jason and (Medea) is crafted with care and detail as it incorporates not only a mix of contemporary dialogue, heightened stage movement, and a poetic flair, but also gives audiences a fresh approach to this oft-told tale.”

Because you love Indy and want to support the people and the talents that make up our great city. Do we really need to justify this one?

You can see Jason and (Medea) this weekend at the following showtimes:

Thursday, June 11, 2015 @ 8:00pm; Friday, June 12, 2015 @ 8:00pm; Saturday, June 13, 2015 @ 8:00pm; Sunday, June 14, 2015 @ 3:00pm. Get your tickets here.

Can’t make it this weekend? Check the entire IndyFringe calendar of events here and mark your calendars for the 11th annual IndyFringe Festival happening August 13th – 23rd.

Stay Trndy,

Cam & Molly