Welcome to another episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight emerging talents reshaping the future of musical theatre. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Shannon Burkett to interview Parisa Shahmir, the creator of the musical Medusa.

Medusa is a folk-inspired retelling of the ancient Greek myth, reclaiming the narrative of Medusa and giving her the space to become the heroine of her own story. As Medusa embarks on a journey orchestrated by Hermes at the will of Zeus, she discovers the only power she has is her voice. This raw, powerful musical weaves together themes of strength, courage, and truth as it challenges the classical portrayal of Medusa as a monster and villain.

In this episode, Parisa discusses her inspiration for reimagining Medusa’s story, how she integrates folk music with Middle Eastern influences, and the themes of female empowerment and reclamation that run throughout the show. We also explore the developmental history of Medusa, from its early conception in 2023 to its current stage of growth, and what’s next for the show at the NAMT Festival and beyond.

Be sure to follow the journey of Medusa before it takes the stage at the NAMT Festival!