‘Eurydice’ at Alley Theatre offers a tragicomic retelling of the timeless Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from a new perspective.
Whereas most depictions of this classic tale over the last 2500 years have concentrated on Orpheus’ loss and grief, playwright Sarah Ruhl’s creation focuses on Eurydice and her experience in the underworld.
Ruhl’s surreal handling, filled with poetic dialogue, frightening scenes and comic relief at every turn, probes the themes of love in life, death and beyond.
The elaborate theatrical staging transports the audience on a journey from a sunny day at the beach to the perpetual rain and darkness in Hades and even allows for simultaneous scenes of Orpheus mourning in the world of the living and Eurydice and her father reuniting in the underworld.
The plot is faithful to the classic. Orpheus, the world’s best musician, and Eurydice are madly in love. Eurydice dies on their wedding day while attempting to escape the advances of another and falls to the underworld, where she is reunited with her father.
Stricken with grief, Orpheus must travel to the gates of the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice. There Orpheus meets the lord of the underworld, who grants his wish on the condition that he leaves the underworld with Eurydice following behind him without looking back. If he looks back, they will be separated forever.
Ruhl emphasizes Eurydice’s experience as she adjusts to her new life in the bizarre, dark underworld where the subtleties that make the human experience have been erased in the Waters of Forgetfulness.
She is greeted there by the Chorus of Stones, three zombie-like figures dressed in Victorian attire, who attempt to keep order in loud jarring moans that make the audience laugh.
Eurydice’s father begins helping her recall her previous life in the world of the living and the eternal love she left behind and re-establishes their father-daughter relationship.’
Meanwhile, grief-stricken Orpheus begins to go mad as the sadness of his loss continues to grow.’ Orpheus’ musical abilities allow him to venture to the underworld to reclaim his love.
At the forefront of this strong cast is Mary Rasmussen’s depiction of Eurydice. The audience sighs and smiles as she says, ‘I love you’ and accepts Orpheus’ hand in marriage.
Jay Sullivan’s rendition of a contemporary, electric guitar-playing Orpheus reinvents this classical hero as he fearlessly travels from the world of the living to the world of the dead and back.
Their combined performance convincingly exemplifies the genuine love of a happy, young couple, and Orpheus’ endless and insatiable sadness is sure to draw a tear.
Some may cry, but all will laugh at the Alley’s ‘Eurydice.’ This classic tale of love is recommended for those who haven’t made Valentine’s Day plans with their special someone.
