By Kelly Waldron
“Eurydice” is a contemporary re-telling of the timeless love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Unlike the original tale, audience’s follow Eurydice through this classic Greek myth as she journeys to the underworld and fights to keep her true love in her memory. Reuniting with her father and risking her life for love, the audience will experience this tragic story from an entirely different perspective.
The writer, Sarah Ruhl, took audiences by surprise when “Eurydice” first premiered at the Madison Repertory Theater in 2003. According to Ruhl’s website, the show went on to be performed at Berkeley Repertory Theater in 2004 and Yale Repertory Theater in 2006 until it finally made its off-Broadway debut in 2007.
The opera adaptation of “Eurydice,”, also written by Sarah Ruhl and posted on her website, premiered at the L.A. Opera in 2020.
Sophomore Ryan Horst, who plays Orpheus in this production, says that audiences can expect to see this tragic show in a new light. Working both on stage, in the cast, and behind the scenes, as TA of production, building the sets and guiding the crew, Ryan has seen this show from every angle and cannot wait for the cast and crew’s hard work to be recognized. As Orpheus, the original lead in this Greek myth, becomes second to Eurydice in this production, Ryan is excited for audiences to experience the show from a different narrator, and learn new lessons from this change in perspective.
Both a part of “The Chorus of Stones,” freshman Allie Rice, who plays Loud Stone, and Jason Petersen, who plays Big Stone, are ready for their first opening night at Susquehanna. With their director, Dr. Crowe’s, guidance through these unique, underworld characters, both actors are excited to interact with the audience and help guide some powerful messages throughout the show. From the incredible costuming to the details of the set and the dedication of the cast and crew, both actors are very enthusiastic about this, “eye-opening” and “transformative” show.
Prepare for a night of loss and hardship as this legend is reborn in a new light on the Degenstein Campus Center Theater’s stage. Tickets are available in the box office for Friday, Sept. 29, Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Sept. 1.
