Even as far back as Euripides, the figure of Medea was portrayed as something of a mojada—a derogatory term for ‘wetback.’ Beginning in the late fifth century, for instance, shortly after Euripides’s own stage version of the myth, artists began to accentuate Medea’s role as a foreigner living within Greek society, dressing her in exotic oriental garb rather than the clothing of a traditional Greek woman. The perpetual ‘stranger in a strange land,’ the myth of Medea—scorned and infanticidal—has ever since lent itself to probing considerations of cultural assimilation, gender inequity, and the darker aspects of romantic love.

Formally speaking, Home/Land brings all of its considerable assets to bear, seamlessly layering traditional sketches, interpretive movement, original music, and extended monologues into a near two hour piece full of more wit, wisdom, and humane compassion than is likely to be found on the floor of any state legislature at the moment. These kids know how severe the stakes are, and Home/Land almost tremors with a kind of raw immediacy, creating an unseen force which almost pushes you out of your seat and to your feet.

Shrek: The Musical—based on the 2001 smash hit film from DreamWorks, in turn based on the picture book by William Steig—is a hot property. Book and lyrics are by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, the adrenalized pop score comes from composer Jeanine Tesori, and taking the realm as director/choreographer is Chicago’s own Rachel Rockwell. The 2008 Broadway premiere clocked in at two and half hours, but Rockwell’s leanly fashioned 75 minute version doesn’t feel rushed, and will serve antsy children and their parents well.