For years, Jennifer Cudworth-Greer submitted the Greek tragedy Medea to the Aiken Community Playhouse's play-selection committee -- and hoped.

After several rejections, she finally got her wish and is directing the classic, which opens for two weekends Friday.

"This is a story of a very powerful woman," said Mrs. Cudworth-Greer. "She uses the structure and confines of the society. She's fascinating and interesting."

Written by Euripides and first produced in 431 BC, it is the tale of a foreign-born woman, Medea, living in Greece, and what happens when her husband leaves her and their children for another woman.

"This is wonderful and challenging. Jennifer has such a great vision for it," said Mary Claire Millies, who plays Medea.

This is the first time Mrs. Millies has been on stage in 14 years. She has been a volunteer at the playhouse for several years, but it's all been behind-the-scenes. In college, she performed in classics such as Antigone and Oedipus Rex.

"I like the Greeks," she said.

Mrs. Cudworth-Greer said this is the first time in many years that a Greek tragedy has been attempted at the playhouse.

"It fit well with the season," she said. "We just finished Sweeny Todd, which is a much more adult production. Both this tragedy and the traditionally based comedy that follows are in the same season."

The playhouse's next production will be The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), which will be staged in August.

Medea will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and July 25-26, and at 3 p.m. July 20 in the Bechtel Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $8 for playhouse members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call (803) 648-1438.